The CIPD and Simplyhealth’s new report reveals workplace absences in the UK are at their highest levels in over a decade
The CIPD’s Health and Wellbeing at Work report, supported by Simplyhealth, shows that workplaces absences in the UK are at the highest rate in over a decade.
The research highlights that UK employees were absent an average of 7.8 days over the past year, compared to the pre-pandemic rate of 5.8 days. It finds stress to be a significant factor for both short and long-term absence, with three quarters (76%) of respondents reporting stress-related absence in their organisation in the past year.
In response, the CIPD is calling on organisations to have an open and supportive culture, where people can speak to line managers about health issues and access support and adjustments, such as flexible working options and health services.
“We need a more systematic and preventative approach to workplace health. This means managing the risks to people’s health to prevent stress, as well as early intervention to prevent health issues from escalating where possible.”
The report, now in its 23rd year, explores issues of health, wellbeing and absences in UK workplaces. This year’s research, gathered in March and April 2023, is based on responses from 918 organisations, covering more than 6.5 million employees.
The report, now in its 23rd year, explores issues of health, wellbeing and absences in UK workplaces. This year’s research, gathered in March and April 2023, is based on responses from 918 organisations, covering more than 6.5 million employees.
Report findings include:
"With record numbers of people off sick, employers have a vital role to play in supporting them through workplace health and wellbeing services. Companies need to implement preventative health and wellbeing strategies that are supported by the most senior levels of leadership and build line manager skills and confidence to support wellbeing.”
The CIPD’s biennial report exploring health, wellbeing and absence management provides invaluable trend analysis and practice insight to help employers and people professionals develop and maintain supportive, productive workplaces
Understand the links between work, health and wellbeing, and the role of stakeholders in adopting an organisational approach to employee wellbeing
As a health-focused charity, Macmillan recognises and understands the importance of colleague health and wellbeing
The Trust uses its Workplace Health and Wellbeing Framework to integrate health and wellbeing throughout the organisation, embedding it in culture, leadership and people management practices
