Recent figures show a significant drop in sickness absence over two decades, reaching a new low.
- Absence rates decreased from 7.2 days in 1993 to 4.1 days in 2017, continuing to decline since 1999.
- Mental health issues are a growing concern for younger workers, with significant impact on absenteeism.
- Presenteeism is on the rise, with employees increasingly attending work while unwell.
- Employers need effective systems to analyze and address underlying causes of absenteeism and presenteeism.
Recent data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals a stark decline in the number of sickness absence days, marking a notable change in workforce attendance patterns over the last two decades. The average sickness absence has dropped from 7.2 days in 1993 to 4.1 days in 2017—a trend that continues to decrease annually since 1999. This development seems promising on the surface, signaling potential improvements in workforce health and engagement.
Adrian Lewis, Director at Activ Absence, cautions against taking these figures at face value. Despite the reduction in overall absence, Lewis highlights emerging trends that demand attention, particularly mental health issues, which are increasingly cited by younger employees aged 25 to 34 as reasons for their absences. For the older demographic of 50 to 64 years, musculoskeletal conditions such as back and joint pain contribute to 20.8% of absences, indicating diverse health challenges across age groups.
Furthermore, the phenomenon of presenteeism is gaining traction, as evidenced by research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. The report indicates a significant rise in the number of employees who opt to work despite being ill, a trend that has more than tripled since 2010. Lewis points out that pressures such as workload, financial constraints, and job security fears often compel employees to attend work even when they are unwell.
To navigate these complexities, Lewis argues that employers must implement robust absence management systems. These systems are essential for decoding the patterns in absence data, enabling organizations to better understand and address the specific issues affecting their workforce. By identifying root causes and collaborating with employees to resolve them, employers can effectively manage both presenteeism and absenteeism.
Thus, understanding and addressing the nuanced causes of absenteeism and presenteeism are crucial for fostering a genuinely healthy workforce.
