The number of people in the UK out of work due to sickness and ill health is growing by 300,000 a year…
This worrying and economically damaging figure is increasing each year, indicating the poor shape of the UK’s workforce and economy. Annually, there are an estimated 185.6 million working days lost because of sickness or injury in the UK and this is not only worrying on a whole for the state of people’s health - it's key to the economic problems facing our country.
Why are these numbers so high?
There are a range of contributory factors towards this shocking statistic, but one of the main causes is poor mental health. Stress, anxiety and depression are some of the most cited reasons for workplace absences, and long-term sickness seems set to increase, with an estimated 875,000 workers suffering from these issues, resulting in 17.1 million lost working days.
Addressing the impact of poor mental health on workplace absenteeism
There’s a lack of support for mental health in the UK as NHS waiting lists are so high, leading to more employee absences when they’re struggling; they haven’t had the help that they need in order to keep them in work. Furthermore, a lack of wellbeing and mental health support in the workplace can be a key stressor, especially for staff members whose workloads aren’t managed properly. If staff don’t have someone to talk to It can lead to a vicious circle when it comes to mental health and work; that’s why Occupational Health can be vital.
Supporting those with MSK problems is key to reducing lost working days
Similarly, latest reports suggest that musculoskeletal issues, either caused or worsened by the workplace, are big contributing factors towards high rates of work sickness and absences. MSK issues is not only be caused by things like repetitive strain or discomfort - anyone with existing MSK issues can have their conditions worsened at work if there’s a lack of support or reasonable adjustments made to accommodate them.
The health conditions with the highest impact on total number of working days lost are MSK (24%) and Mental Health (20%) conditions.
How can Occupational Health reduce workplace sickness?
Investing in Occupational Health and wellbeing means that there are preventative strategies in place to reduce the number of employees being off sick. Mental health issues can be managed as sufferers have the correct support available - whether that’s helping them cope with stress, or anxiety, or providing clinical help with counsellors and psychologists for more complex issues such as depression etc.
This support should be wide-ranging to tackle the many forms of poor mental health. Having Occupational Health support also means that MSK issues, or other conditions that can impact a person physically like the menopause, can be addressed through processes like reasonable adjustments and workplace assessments.
