Member Article

Sickness absence rates increase

The number of employee absences due to sickness increased last year, but businesses are taking steps to try and reduce the figure, according to a report released today. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) annual Absence Management survey showed that the average annual level of absence climbed to 8.4 days per employee a year, from 8 days for the previous 12 months. There was also a significant increase in stress at work with a positive net balance of 31% of employers reporting an increase in stress-related absence.

In response to this rise, more organizations are now implementing employee well-being strategies. 42% of organizations said that they have started such a scheme this year, compared to 26% for the previous year. However, the survey also highlights that the investment made by employers in this area is not often appreciated by staff, as only 11% of employers said their employees fully appreciate the money spent on employee well-being.

Ben Willmott, CIPD Employee Relations Adviser said: “The report shows employers are increasingly recognising the benefits that can be gained by supporting employee well-being. “It is becoming more and more evident that organisations are starting to manage employee health rather than sickness, not as a standalone well-being strategy but as an integral part of an overall well-being programme.

“However attempts to promote employee wellbeing and manage absence will be fatally undermined unless they are underpinned by good people management and effective work organisation. There is no point providing healthy eating options and on-site gyms if people are dreading going to work because of their bullying line manager or because of their excessive workload.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .