According to new research published by the Chartered Institute for Professional Development (CIPD), absences in the workplace are at their highest level in 10 years.
Analysing sick days and health among 918 organisations comprising 6.5 million employees, the CIPD released the findings as part of its 23rd annual Health and wellbeing at work survey.
The average worker was off ill for an average of 7.8 days during the past 12 months, an increase of two whole days on the pre-pandemic rate of 5.8.
Three-quarters of those polled reported that that they had taken time off because of stress, just one of the major contributors to short- and long-term absences cited by the study. The top cause of long-term absences, meanwhile, is mental ill health (63%). Well over nine in 10 respondents (94%) attributed their short-term sick leave to minor illnesses. More than a third (37%) of organisations confirmed that Covid-19 remains a significant driver of short-term nonattendance.
The survey also noted that many organisations are undertaking a variety of initiatives to aid their workers’ physical and mental health. For example, 82% operate employee assistance programmes. Just over 53% of have a dedicated wellbeing strategy, a 50% increase on the 2022 figure.
These are timely numbers. They underline the importance of promoting – and monitoring – staff wellbeing.
Inspire knows that healthy, engaged and supported personnel are essential. We are an industry leader in helping workforces thrive. Our experts support management teams in utilising evidence-based practice to develop tailored wellbeing frameworks according to corporate objectives.
Inspire works to develop programmes that fully reflect the challenges unique to each and every organisation. Our training is designed to create, embed and sustain a culture of wellbeing, and we offer a range of courses covering topics as diverse as mental health awareness, lifestyle and wellbeing, development and coaching, and substance use awareness.
Given that we spend so much of our time on the job, it is hardly surprising that employment issues can cause problems. Responsible employers make the effort to shield their employees from unnecessary pressures, creating an atmosphere in which individuals feel secure, safe, healthy and fulfilled. They play a significant role here by encouraging positive mental health in the workplace and elevating available resources, such as counselling services.
The Inspire Support Hub is a great place to start. After all, it offers the right support at the right time. In fact, people can self-refer through the Hub, over the phone or by email. It also features excellent information on stress, work-life balance and anxiety, along with advice around building resilient workforces.
To find out more about the Inspire Support Hub, as well as the other services offered by Inspire, contact enquiries@inspirewellbeing.org.
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