The latest CBI Absence and Workplace Health Survey published in July of this year stated that Absence is costing the UK £14 billion a year. With National Stress Awareness Day in November, it is also interesting to note that the report also states that; Mental health conditions are the single most widespread cause of long-term absence, with more than half (54%) of employers citing non-work related stress, anxiety and depression as a cause of long-term absence for non-manual workers, and slightly fewer (42%) for manual workers.
With National Stress Awareness Day happening this week on the 6th November, it is also interesting to note that the report also states that; Mental health conditions are the single most widespread cause of long term absence, with more than half (54%) of employers citing non-work related stress, anxiety and depression as a cause of long-term absence for non-manual workers, and slightly fewer (42%) for manual workers.
These facts reinforce why it is vital for organisations to have robust processes and systems in place which allows them to identify quickly, employees who maybe be suffering from stress. This means the employer and manager can then provide support, either directly or via a 3rd party and as early as possible, helping the employee to return to work more quickly.
If your organisation does not have a robust process for capturing unplanned absence or if your managers are not speaking to absent employees, it is very easy for employees suffering from stress to slip through the net. Meaning these employees will probably end up taking long term sick leave or in some cases never returning to work, which is costly for your organisation and detrimental to the employees’ health.
Call Absence Manager now, to understand how our solution can help you identify early cases of stress and how this can help you and your manager’s spot employees who need help.
The International Stress Management Association provides helpful information on how to support employees suffering from stress, Please find out more here.
