Recent research conducted by Access PeopleHR, a leading HR systems specialist, has shed light on a concerning trend within UK businesses.
According to the Sick Leave Report 2024, which analysed data from over 1,700 companies, there has been a significant uptick in sick leave, with an average increase of 55 percent over the past four years due to both short and long-term illnesses.
The study found that in 2023, the average business reported 128 days of sick leave, marking a 6 percent rise compared to the previous year’s figure of 120 days.
Notably, certain sectors have experienced even higher rates of sick leave escalation, with real estate and the creative arts bearing the brunt of the surge.
In the real estate industry, sick days have soared by a staggering 98 percent since 2019, climbing from an average of 47 days per company to 95 days.
Similarly, in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors, sickness rates have surged by 159 percent over the past three years, rising from an average of 15 days per business annually to 39 days.
Which positions see the most absences?
The research indicates that professions with more customer-facing roles, as opposed to office-based positions, have witnessed the most significant spike in sickness absence, potentially due to a lower likelihood of remote work availability.
However, underlying causes such as burnout, stress, or an overall increase in sickness prevalence are also suspected contributors to this concerning trend. The study suggests that UK employees not utilising their full annual leave entitlements could exacerbate these issues, with a 7.6 percent drop observed in holiday days taken from 2022 to 2023, potentially leading to higher levels of burnout, stress, and subsequent sick leave.
Industries witnessing the sharpest surge in sick leave over the past year include real estate activities (67%), recruitment (16%), and arts, entertainment, and recreation (13%).
Over a four-year period, the industries experiencing the most significant spike in sick leave include arts, entertainment, and recreation (159%), real estate activities (98%), and manufacturing (89%).
Which professions see the least absences?
Interestingly, administrative and support services bucked the trend, recording a 76 percent drop in sick leave over the past year.
Charles Butterworth, Managing Director of the People Division at The Access Group, emphasised the importance of robust HR strategies in mitigating sick leave. He highlighted the need for clear policies, offering support to employees showing excessive sick leave patterns, and leveraging HR software for better absence management.
Butterworth also pointed out the correlation between increased sick leave and the return to in-person work post-pandemic, particularly in industries less conducive to remote work. He emphasised the necessity for businesses to monitor sick leave trends closely and take proactive measures to address recurring issues, potentially through attendance reviews.
As UK businesses grapple with this concerning rise in sick leave, proactive measures and effective HR management strategies will be essential in navigating and mitigating its impact on productivity and employee well-being.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
