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Absence

Workplace absence records broken after a decade

Stress is found to be a significant factor for both short- and long-term absence, with over 76% of respondents reporting stress-related absence in their organisation in the past year.

2.5 million people in the UK off work due to chronic illnesses

A new report published by the ONS has revealed that 2.5 million people in the UK are off work due to chronic illnesses, with employee absence now at its highest rate since 2004.

Emma Capper: Five strategies to reduce long-term sickness absences

Due to the struggles of the NHS, employees are looking to their employers for support. Long-term sickness leave is a growing concern, with the latest data revealing record numbers off work due to long-term sickness.

Jenna Bayuk: How employers can support staff after mass layoffs

Mass layoffs can be traumatic even for employees who avoid them. That’s why it’s vital for employers to ensure that their staff continue to see support and valued in their work.

Gen Z employees taking more sick days than older peers

Recent research has found that the youngest employees in the workforce, who should in theory be the fittest members of the workforce, are the ones that are struggling most with their health and taking more sick days.

Sickness absence recording at lowest level in four years

Although 80% of employers currently record sickness absence, that leaves a fifth who do not. This is likely due to the onset of hybrid working which has made it much more difficult to record this data.

Doctors giving out sick notes too easily and for too long!

A new survey found that 55% believe it's too easy for employees to get a doctor's sick/fit note and 73% believe doctors are providing sick/fit notes for longer than necessary.

Dr Pamela Gellatly: The impact of long-term sickness – will the new occupational health initiatives deliver?

The measures announced in the Spring Budget to address long-term sickness are a step in the right direction. But will it truly be enough?

Employers not recording the impact of sickness absence

Although 85% of employers record the sickness absence of their staff, only 63% measure the impact sick leave has on their business.

Absence at Work: The Ultimate Guide for Managers

An introduction for managers to the issues around absence at work plus links to additional resources to take your learning further.
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