Workplace wellbeing experts have warned of the overlooked health risks posed by respiratory infections in the workplace, as research reveals the significant toll on both employee welfare and organisational resilience.
A report by the Office of Health Economics (OHE), funded by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, estimates that respiratory infections are responsible for £44 billion in lost productivity annually in the UK. But beyond the financial implications lies a deeper issue: the wellbeing of employees being compromised by rising rates of presenteeism and preventable illness.
The research highlights that 54% of these costs are linked to presenteeism — employees continuing to work while unwell — raising concerns about the pressure many staff feel to remain at work despite being ill.
Presenteeism: A Workplace Wellbeing Concern
Observers say the findings show a need for employers to prioritise the health of their workforce, not just for operational reasons, but to protect employee wellbeing.
“Respiratory infections are an often-overlooked cause of lost productivity and have varying impacts on business sectors,” said Emma Clifton-Brown, head of Access & Value at Pfizer UK, as Pfizer and the ONS launched a new tool to help firms see how much they’re losing.
“This free interactive tool empowers employers to understand the potential scale of these costs and helps raise awareness to stimulate companies exploring and implementing preventative measures.”
The issue goes beyond economics. Presenteeism can exacerbate illness, delay recovery and increase the risk of infection spreading to colleagues, ultimately undermining both individual wellbeing and team morale.
OHE project lead Helen Hayes said respiratory infections’ impact reached well beyond the NHS. “The impact of respiratory infections on the NHS is significant, both in terms of patient burden and staffing challenges,” she said. “What’s less-well recognised is the impact beyond the NHS, with businesses bearing the brunt of reduced productivity due to short term absences.
“This makes the case for employers to step in, investing in preventative measures to drive productivity gains and ease the strain on the NHS.”
What Employers Can Do to Support Respiratory Wellbeing
Workplace wellbeing specialists recommend a combination of practical and cultural measures to safeguard employee health during peak respiratory illness seasons and throughout the year:
- Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home: Clear, compassionate sickness absence policies and communication can help reduce presenteeism by removing the stigma or fear associated with taking sick leave.
- Offer Workplace Vaccination Programmes: Providing or signposting flu and other respiratory infection vaccinations helps reduce illness rates and protects vulnerable employees.
- Improve Workplace Ventilation: Investing in effective ventilation systems has been shown to reduce airborne infection transmission, making workplaces healthier for everyone.
- Promote Respiratory Hygiene and Cleanliness: Simple measures like providing hand sanitiser, tissues and surface disinfectant can significantly lower infection risks.
- Provide Access to Occupational Health Support: Occupational health services can offer employees confidential advice, early intervention and support for ongoing respiratory or general health issues.
- Review Flexible Working Policies: Allowing remote or flexible working during illness or high-risk periods not only protects the workforce but reinforces a culture where wellbeing is valued.
- Educate on the Risks of Presenteeism: Raising awareness about the health implications of working while sick, and encouraging leaders to model healthy behaviours, can shift workplace culture.