Biggest cause of staff absence in 2021 revealed - and it's not Covid
New UK Workforce Health Report highlights reasons staff needed time off work last year
Mental health issues were the primary reason for staff needing time off work during 2021.
According to GoodShape's UK PLC 2021 Workforce Health Report, poor mental health accounted for 19 per cent of all lost working time across the country, followed by confirmed cases of COVID which represented 16 per cent.
In total, UK workers took over 319 million days off work for illness or injury, at an estimated cost to employers of more than £43 billion.
Mental Health absence bigger problem than Covid
Mental health troubles, such as stress, anxiety, or depression were the most common cause of lost working time in nearly every industry, with absences averaging at least three times longer than for COVID-related reasons.
The average amount of time off to deal with a mental issue was 18.8 days.
For dealing with Covid, it was just 5.8 days.
The stats also found 54% of workers who take two or more mental health-related absences will go on to leave their jobs.
Cost of staff needing time off soars
The direct cost of worker absences on UK businesses has increased from an estimated £33 billion in 2019 (Jan – Nov) to £43 billion in 2021 (Jan – Nov), an increase of 31 per cent.
This reflects the increase in time taken off by employees for illness, increasing from approximately 250 million days in 2019 to over 319 million lost working days in 2021.
PREVIEW: Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle speaks to GoodShape's Suzanne Marshall on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast
The cost of these lost working days does not cover additional indirect costs such as hiring replacement staff, loss of business continuity, training and providing support to other staff, so GoodShape believe the true cost is likely far higher.
Workplace culture needs to change to reverse trend
Greatest Hits Radio's Where's Your Head At? campaign is calling for mental health first aiders to be compulsory in all workplaces.
A proposal to introduce it into law is currently passing through Parliament, after more than 100,000 people signed our petition.
Alun Baker, CEO of GoodShape said: “The last year has seen a continued positive shift in workplace culture that’s allowed for more open conversations about mental health.
"It’s encouraging to see more employers acknowledge that meaningful and targeted wellbeing support is crucial for the ongoing health of their people and business.
"Yet, the pandemic has meant that across all industries, more is being expected of people and budgets.
"The good news is though, that the business community is realising that performance is inextricably linked with wellbeing and insight.”
Need to know more?
Listen to GoodShape Clinical Governance Officer Suzanne Marshall discuss the UK PLC 2021 Workforce Health Report on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast
Find mental health services where you are using the Hub of Hope