Sick days at work reached a 10-year high

According to a study, UK workers are taking more sick days than they had in the previous ten years.

Employees used 7.8 sick days on average last year, compared to 5.8 prior to the pandemic, according to data from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The trade association called the increase a “worry” and attributed it to the cost-of-living problem, stress, and COVID.

It went on to say that these ailments were having “deep effects on many people’s wellness.”

The study examined absenteeism rates across over 900 organizations, which collectively employed 6.5 million people.

It was carried out by the healthcare organization Simplyhealth, which offers outpatient assistance.

According to the survey, the most common causes of brief absences were mild illnesses, which were followed by musculoskeletal injuries and mental health issues.

In the meantime, over one-third of the organizations stated that COVID-19 was still a major contributor to sick days.

Employees on extended sick leave frequently attributed their ailments to physical injuries, mental health disorders, or diseases including cancer and stroke.

Some workers feel anxious and disengaged as a result of the cost-of-living problem and changes in workplace culture that have occurred since the epidemic, according to the CIPD.

For employees who were socially isolated or lived alone, working from home could also be a problem.

About half of the organizations polled had a plan in place to increase employee wellbeing, and the majority provided sick pay. Still, the CIPD stated that companies had to take more action because absenteeism rates were continuing to rise.

According to Rachel Suff, senior employee wellbeing consultant at the CIPD, “this means managing the main risks to people’s health from work to prevent stress as well as early intervention to prevent health issues from escalating where possible.”

“It’s important that organisations create an open, supportive culture where employees feel they can come forward.”

Credits: BBC

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