Following on from last month’s blog, where we discussed the importance of food and nutrition for staff wellbeing, we thought it would be good to look at this from a different angle, an angle looking at the costs that directly affect our businesses if we don’t prioritise staff wellbeing.
The cost of workplace sickness in the UK has reached a staggering £103 billion per year, according to a recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). This represents a significant increase from £73 billion in 2018, and the primary driver of this rise is not what many might expect. The issue lies not just in the number of sick days taken, but in a less visible yet more damaging trend: presenteeism.
The Rising Toll of Presenteeism
Presenteeism refers to the phenomenon of employees attending work while ill, injured, or otherwise impaired. Although they are physically present, their ability to function effectively is significantly reduced, leading to a decline in productivity. The IPPR's analysis shows that this hidden cost has grown by £25 billion, largely due to the alarming increase in the average number of days employees lose to reduced productivity—from 35 days in 2018 to 44 days in 2023.
In contrast, the increase in direct sick leave, where employees take time off to recover, accounted for a smaller portion of the overall cost rise, contributing an additional £5 billion. The report found that employees now take an average of 6.7 sick days per year, up from 3.7 days in 2018.
The UK’s Cultural Challenge: Why Workers Keep Showing Up Sick
Interestingly, UK workers are among the least likely to take sick days compared to their counterparts in other OECD and European countries. Instead, many choose to work through their illness, driven by a combination of factors:
- Workplace Culture - In many UK workplaces, there is an unspoken expectation that employees should be present, regardless of their health status. This pressure often leads to employees working when they are not at their best, resulting in lower productivity and higher long-term costs.
- Poor Management Practices - Managers may not always recognise the signs of an unwell employee, or they may lack the tools and knowledge to address these issues effectively. This can exacerbate the problem, as workers feel they have no choice but to soldier on.
- Financial Insecurity - For some employees, taking time off work may feel like a financial risk, particularly if their sick pay is inadequate. This economic pressure can force them to prioritise immediate income over their long-term health.
- Lack of Understanding of Long-Term Conditions - Many employers may not fully understand the impact of chronic health conditions on an employee’s ability to work. Without proper accommodations or support, these employees might struggle silently, leading to reduced productivity over time.
The Economic and Human Costs
The impact of presenteeism extends beyond the immediate loss of productivity. When employees are not fully present due to illness, they are more likely to make mistakes, require longer times to complete tasks, and contribute less effectively to team efforts. This not only hampers business operations but also places additional strain on the employees themselves, potentially worsening their health and leading to more severe long-term consequences.
Dr. Jamie O’Halloran, a senior research fellow at the IPPR, emphasises that this issue is not just about the financial losses. "Too often, UK workers are being pressured to work through sickness when that’s not appropriate – harming their wellbeing and reducing productivity," he notes. The report underscores the need for a cultural shift in how workplace health is managed, advocating for a more proactive approach that benefits both employees and businesses.
The Way Forward - Prioritising Health for Sustainable Growth
Addressing the hidden costs of workplace sickness requires a multifaceted approach. Businesses must recognise that supporting the health and well-being of their employees is not just a moral obligation, but a strategic necessity. This involves:
- Encouraging a Positive Workplace Culture - A culture where employees feel comfortable taking the time they need to recover can significantly reduce presenteeism. This means valuing long-term health over short-term productivity gains.
- Investing in Management Training - Equipping managers with the skills to identify and address health issues among their teams can prevent presenteeism and promote a healthier work environment.
- Providing Adequate Sick Pay and Support – Making sure that employees have the financial security to take time off when needed can reduce the pressure to work while ill.
- Promoting Awareness of Chronic Conditions - Employers should be educated about long-term health conditions and how to support affected employees, enabling them to contribute effectively without compromising their health.
In Conclusion
The IPPR’s findings are a stark reminder of the hidden costs of rising workplace sickness in the UK. By taking proactive steps to address presenteeism and support employee health, businesses can protect their bottom line while supporting a more sustainable and productive workforce. After all, healthy employees are the cornerstone of a healthy business.
Is your business suffering from workplace sickness leading to poor productivity? Why not get in touch, let's initiate a clear plan to address this.
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