Workplace absences in the UK are at the highest rate in over a decade, according to research from the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), and Simplyhealth. 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.

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.

The report 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.

According to the research, the top causes of short-term absence are: Minor illnesses (94%), musculoskeletal injuries (45%) and mental ill health (39%).

Meanwhile, causes of long-term absence are: Mental ill health (63%), acute medical conditions, such as stroke or cancer (51%) and musculoskeletal injuries (51%).

The research also found that 37% of organisations reported Covid-19 as still being a significant cause of short-term absence.

Organisations are attempting to address health and wellbeing issues overall through employee support. The majority, or 69%, of organisations offer occupational sick pay leave schemes for all employees and 82% provide an employee assistance programme (EAP). Over half, 53%, of organisations surveyed have a stand-alone wellbeing strategy, a slight increase from the previous survey in 2021 (50%).

“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,” Rachel Suff, Senior Employee Wellbeing Adviser, CIPD, said.

Claudia Nicholls, Chief Customer Officer, Simplyhealth, “"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.”