The survey was conducted by REC/Whitestone Insight and shows the high stakes of the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to create a healthier, more productive workforce. And today’s survey is published ahead of the ONS publishing its Sickness Absence in the UK Labour Market 2023 to 2024 next month.
REC Deputy Chief Executive Kate Shoesmith said:
"Tackling rising ill-health is a massive social and economic challenge for the government and business.
“Nearly half of employers we surveyed report reduced productivity due to sickness absence, and as seen in other REC research – a healthy, motivated workforce is essential for everyone’s success. The challenges of sickness absence go beyond just physical health, influencing morale and service quality.
“Finding solutions to address sickness absence is paramount, therefore, with many employers already getting on the front foot. Just over half are offering flexible working policies – something regularly requested by candidates during a recruitment process and is another reason why measures in the Employment Rights Bill must carefully balance both the individual’s and the employer’s needs.
“With only 13% of surveyed employers not offering any support measures, it is evident that businesses recognise the importance of this issue. As always, government working with employers on innovative and comprehensive health and wellbeing programmes will be the way to tackle and reduce sickness absence levels in the long run."
The online survey of 233 employers of different sizes, location and including private and public sector, was conducted in February 2025. When asked about the impacts of sickness absence, surveyed employers answered: reduced productivity (48.5%); decline in service quality (36.5%); decrease in morale among co-workers (31%); and increased direct and indirect financial implications (26%).
And when asked what measures, if any, they are taking to enhance and promote employee health and wellbeing while minimising sickness absences, the employers said they offer:
- Flexible work policies (51%)
- Workplace safety measures such as health and safety training and/or guidance (40%)
- Educating employees about health and wellbeing (37%)
- Employee Assistance Programmes / counselling or mental health support (30%)
- Measures to monitor and manage addressing workload (29%)
- Promoting workplace physical hygiene (27%)
Flexible working is a way of working that suits a worker’s needs, for example having flexible start and finish times, or working from home. Employers can also take a flexible approach to sickness absence management.
The growing momentum for businesses to prioritise health and wellbeing is clear, as only 13% of surveyed employers report they are not offering any health-related measures. This shift is driven by societal recognition of health’s importance to our working lives.
Kate Shoesmith added:
“Business productivity and individual success relies on a healthy workforce. With NHS waiting lists far too long, healthcare staffing agencies play a crucial role in filling the gap. By providing quick access to care, they help reduce sickness-related absences and keep people performing at their best, benefiting individuals, businesses and the economy.”
