Two-fifths of companies have had a long-term absence within the final two years

Greater than two-fifths (43%) of companies have had
staff absent from work for greater than 4 weeks as a result of ill-health within the
final two years, analysis reveals.

The survey of 1,000 companies by the British Chambers of
Commerce and Unum discovered the overriding impacts of workers absences are
operational (88%) and on workers morale (76%).

Respondents additionally reported monetary (44%) and
reputational (36%) impacts from workers absences.

Most companies recognise the significance of supporting
worker well being and wellbeing, with 62% providing advantages akin to entry to
wellbeing help, personal medical insurance coverage, occupational help companies and
wholesome life-style advantages akin to fitness center membership and cycle to work schemes.

The survey discovered that 41% of companies consider that
offering monetary safety advantages, akin to earnings safety insurance coverage
and significant sickness cowl, might or does assist them to draw and retain staff.
This rises to 52% for bigger corporations with greater than 50 staff.

Jane Gratton, head of individuals coverage on the British
Chambers of Commerce, mentioned when individuals are absent although ill-health it's in
everybody’s finest pursuits that they're supported again into work as shortly as
doable.

“Employers want entry to good high quality,
reasonably priced companies to assist them perceive help their
individuals in the easiest way, along with clear, up-to-date data and
steerage on everybody’s rights and tasks,” she added.

Peter O’Donnell, chief government officer of Unum UK,
added that group earnings safety merchandise are invaluable throughout a interval of
sickness, as is entry to early medical assist.