Stress is a leading cause of short-term absence, affecting a quarter of workplaces, according to Simplyhealth and the CIPD.
The 24th health and wellbeing at work report shows that 64 per cent of HR professionals recorded stress-related absence last year, with heavy workloads cited by 41 per cent, personal health issues by 37 per cent and family or relationship pressures by 34 per cent.
The research highlights that mental ill health remains a growing concern. It notes that the Keep Britain Working review identified a 76 per cent increase in 16 to 34 year-olds who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness related to mental health conditions between 2019 and 2024.
Additionally, nearly two-thirds of organisations say they are taking steps to identify or reduce workplace stress, although only half believe these measures are effective. The research suggests that workplace health support, including access to 24-hour GP and mental health services, health cash plans and pay-as-you-go tests and scans can help manage absence with most plans covering pre-existing conditions.
Meanwhile, research from Fair4All Finance shows that reducing such absence could add £5.9 billion to the economy, with sickness-related absence more broadly costing an estimated £150 billion each year.
Simplyhealth head of clinical product and Ops Dr. Louise Rix says: “None of us are superhuman and sometimes life gets on top of us. While employers are already making strides to foster environments that prioritise employee wellbeing and ensure that when life does get on top of us, they are there to support, stress-related absence remains a growing problem, and so we must keep forging ahead to reduce these numbers.
“Creating comfortable environments at work is an incredibly important first step towards breaking down barriers often sensed by employees, such as fear of judgement, which prevent workers from flagging that they are having a tough time. Encouraging openness and adopting an open-door policy are just a couple of the immediate changes that employers can make to send a clear message to employees: we understand that life doesn’t move in a straight path, and we’re here to help if needed.”
Simplyhealth CEO Paul Schreier says: “Workplace absence costs the economy billions each year. Employers are crucial partners in meeting the government’s mission to reduce absenteeism and relieve pressure on the NHS. Things are moving in the right direction, with 57% of organisations now having a wellbeing strategy in place, vs. just 44% five years ago – but more needs to be done to tackle climbing absence rates.
“By offering mental health benefits to employees, businesses can prevent employees from developing stress-related illness. We are proud to be included in the next phase of the Keep Britain Working review, contributing to efforts in demonstrating how employers and healthcare providers can improve access to workplace health provision, reduce absences – specifically in relation to mental ill health – and boost workplace productivity.
“The challenge is significant, but together can we address the long-term sickness epidemic, helping more people to stay in or return to work and building a healthier, more productive Britain.”
