Workplace sickness costs UK £138bn, but what can advisers do to help?

Absences and low productivity due to presenteeism across the workforce in 2023 saw British businesses lose an average of 49.7 days per employee due to poor health.

In its 2023 Britain’s Healthiest Workplace survey, Vitality found UK workers lose an average of 6.1 days a year due to formal absence, with the majority of lost working hours due to employees not working effectively as a result of ill-health.

The insurer found that, on average, employees lose nearly one day a week (43.6 days a year) as a result of mental and physical health issues such as musculoskeletal conditions, depression, and poor sleep quality.

According to the research, musculoskeletal conditions, depression, and poor sleep quality are among the main issues impacting productivity in the UK.

The study found: 

• Mental health issues had the greatest negative impact on productivity
• People at risk of depression, fatigue and burnout lose 151 per cent, 141 per cent and 120 per cent more productive days respectively, compared to those who do not report these health issues.
• Health risk factors such as a poor diet, obesity, musculoskeletal conditions and lack of physical activity increase lost time by 14 per cent, 54 per cent and 28 per cent respectively.

But such health conditions, or health-related risk factors, do not have to be so damaging either for companies or the individuals they employ.

Better employee support, a focus on wellness and wellbeing, and proper benefit structures in place that also allow for back-to-work rehabilitation and physical and mental support, can play a crucial role to helping employers and employees.

Advisers with employer clients can be at the forefront of helping create what Vitality has branded a "targeted approach" to ensure both employees and employers receive the mutual benefits of a healthy workforce.

For example, among the companies surveyed, there was an average of 47 'interventions’ offered to tackle health issues, but only 25 per cent of the individuals surveyed said they used the measures offered by their employer.

Communication matters

A focus on better communication of the benefits available, as well as more clear signposting, would help people understand the value of the benefits package to them.

The survey said: "The benefits of engaging with the available health interventions are clear: on average 85 per cent of those who did use them found them useful, demonstrating an issue with awareness and engagement, rather than with efficacy."

Neville Koopowitz, chief executive of Vitality, said: “Our research clearly shows the impact of health and wellbeing on productivity in the UK, and the implications for the UK economy are concerning.

“The data highlights the complexity of the problem facing UK employers, but also the opportunity for benefit if it can be addressed.

"Businesses must recognise the importance and impact of facilitating a healthy workplace, one that acknowledges employees' mental and physical health needs."

He said that action needed to be meaningful and informed, and employees needed to feel that their wellbeing mattered.

It was vital that they are "educated and encouraged" to use the support available.

Koopowitz added: "If health at work is properly managed, business and the wider economy stand to gain significantly.”