64 The CIPD’s 23rd annual Health and Wellbeing at Work report will make stark reading for employers, with the average employee now taking 7.8 days of sick leave per year. This has climbed from 5.8 days a year since the data was last collected pre-pandemic in 2019. Britain’s poor sickness record is estimated to cost the economy £43 billion a year. However, while this unquestionably costs employers time and money, a review of their own working culture may provide areas for improvement. Recruitment software experts, Occupop, explore the dangers of an ‘always on’ culture and suggest some changes to better support employees. THE ‘ALWAYS ON’ CULTURE The rise in sickness absence rates is closely tied to the UK businesses’ pervasive ‘always on’ culture, which refers to expectations that employees are constantly available and responsive to work demands, even outside of core working hours. Enabled by technology, it can lead to behaviours such as replying to emails during evenings and weekends. As boundaries between work and personal life are obliterated, employees find it increasingly challenging to switch off. Whether working from home or in the office, the pressure to be perpetually available takes a toll on wellbeing. CIPD’s survey reveals that around three in four respondents have noted presenteeism— employees working even when unwell. This can lead to added complications along the line. This culture not only impacts health but can also erode a happy work-life balance. CAUSES OF ABSENCE As demonstrated by the survey results, causes of absence remain reasonably consistent with previous years. Minor illnesses – such as cold and flu - account for most short-term absences, while mental ill-health, musculoskeletal injuries, acute medical conditions and stress are the primary culprits for long-term absence. The pandemic’s aftermath, economic instability, and ongoing global events have further exacerbated these issues. It’s no surprise that mental wellbeing continues to be a critical concern. TAKING ACTION David Banaghan, Co-Founder and Interim CEO at Occupop says: “It is no surprise that employee absences due to sickness can create several challenges for employers, such as a loss of productivity and ALWAYS ON The ‘Always On’ culture: five ways businesses can mitigate the impact
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