Are You Doing Enough to Support Your Employees’ Health and Wellbeing?
Workplace sickness absence has surged to its highest level in a decade, a worrying trend that underscores significant challenges in the modern work environment. With stress emerging as one of the leading contributors, employers must critically assess whether they are doing enough to optimise the health and wellbeing of their workforce. The consequences of failing to address this issue are far-reaching, affecting not only employee morale and productivity but also the long-term success and sustainability of businesses.
The Rising Tide of Sickness Absence
Recent studies have shown a marked increase in sickness absence rates, reversing a downward trend observed in previous years. According to a report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average number of working days lost per employee due to sickness has reached its highest point in a decade. This resurgence of absenteeism is not a trivial issue; it represents a substantial cost to businesses in terms of lost productivity, increased workload for remaining staff, and potential delays in operations. While the causes of sickness absence are varied, stress has been identified as a key driver. The pressures of modern work, exacerbated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, have significantly contributed to heightened stress levels among employees. The shift to remote working, concerns over job security, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life have all played a role in this trend.
Understanding the Impact of Workplace Stress
Workplace stress is more than just an unpleasant by-product of a demanding job; it is a serious issue that can lead to a range of health problems, including anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and burnout. When left unaddressed, stress not only affects the individual but also creates a ripple effect throughout the organisation. Employees under stress are more likely to take sick leave, be less productive when at work, and have a lower overall level of job satisfaction. The impact of stress on employee wellbeing has been well-documented. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that work-related stress, depression, and anxiety account for a significant proportion of all work-related ill health cases. These conditions are not only debilitating for the affected employees but also result in substantial costs for employers, including increased healthcare expenses, higher turnover rates, and a decline in employee engagement.
Optimising Employee Health and Wellbeing: A Business Imperative
Given the rising levels of sickness absence and the role of stress in driving this trend, it is imperative for employers to take proactive steps to support the health and wellbeing of their people. Here are some strategies that can help create a healthier, more resilient workforce:
- Promote a Positive Work Environment: Creating a supportive and inclusive work culture is essential in reducing workplace stress. Employers should foster an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and heard. Encouraging open communication, providing opportunities for feedback, and recognising employee contributions can go a long way in building a positive workplace atmosphere.
- Implement Flexible Working Practices: Flexibility is key to helping employees manage their work-life balance, which is crucial in reducing stress. Offering flexible working hours, remote working options, and the ability to take time off when needed can help employees feel more in control of their schedules and reduce the pressures associated with rigid work structures.
- Invest in Mental Health Resources: Providing access to mental health resources, such as counselling services, employee assistance programmes, and stress management workshops, can help employees cope with stress before it leads to more serious health issues. Regular mental health check-ins and promoting mental health awareness can also help in normalising conversations around stress and mental wellbeing.
- Encourage Physical Activity and Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Physical health is closely linked to mental wellbeing. Employers can support their employees by promoting physical activity, offering wellness programmes, and providing healthy food options in the workplace. Encouraging regular breaks and physical activity during the workday can also help reduce stress levels.
- Provide Training for Managers: Managers play a crucial role in the wellbeing of their teams. Training managers to recognise signs of stress, provide support, and create a balanced workload is essential in preventing stress-related issues from escalating. A well-trained manager can act as the first line of defence in identifying and addressing workplace stress.
- Review Workloads and Job Design: Excessive workloads and poorly designed jobs are major contributors to stress. Employers should regularly review workloads to ensure they are manageable and that employees have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Redesigning jobs to provide variety, autonomy, and opportunities for skill development can also reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.
- The Bottom Line: Prioritising Wellbeing for Long-Term Success The rise in sickness absence due to stress is a clear signal that more needs to be done to support the health and wellbeing of employees. Businesses that prioritise employee wellbeing are not only likely to see a reduction in sickness absence, but also benefit from higher levels of engagement, productivity, and retention.
Investing in the health and wellbeing of employees is not just a moral obligation; it is a business imperative. As the landscape of work continues to evolve, organisations that actively work to reduce stress and promote wellbeing will be better positioned to thrive in the long term. The question every employer should be asking is: Are we doing enough? If the answer is no, now is the time to take action.
For more advice and support, contact us at Wilkins Safety Group Ltd on 01458 253682 or [email protected]