- Workplaces are suffering from persistent presenteeism as up to 28 million[1] employees may be coming into work when ill
- Nearly half (47%) of all employees surveyed didn’t take a sick day in 2017, with one in five (19%) believing they would be perceived as weak if they did
- A quarter (25%) said their workload was too great for them to take time off
- For those that did take time off, the average number of sick days taken in 2017 rose by 57% from 2.8 in 2016 to 4.4 in 2017
Presenteeism remains a pervasive problem in UK office culture, as nearly half (47%) of employees surveyed reveal they didn’t take a sick day in 2017 according to new research from Canada Life Group Insurance.
While there has been a small decrease in the number of employees not taking a sick day from 2016 (54%), the tendency to come into the workplace when suffering from a minor illness persists, as nine in ten (88%) admit they go into the office.
Figure 1: Percentage of employees taking sick days and percentage of employees coming into work when unwell
The reasons why employees were reluctant to stay at home when ill varied. Over half (53%) stated that even though they were unwell they felt it did not warrant a day off. A quarter (25%) said their workload was too great for them to take time off and one in ten (9%) admitted they didn’t feel secure enough in their role to take a sick day.
For those concerned about how their colleagues would perceive them, one in five (19%) believe they would be viewed as weak, 17% believe they would be perceived as lazy and 15% believe they would be viewed as inconsiderate. However, positive perceptions were also popular with 17% of workers believing they would be viewed as sensible or genuine and 15% as honest.
|
How do you feel you would be perceived by others if you were to take time off for a short-term illness? |
% of employees |
|
Weak |
19% |
|
Sensible |
17% |
|
Genuine |
17% |
|
Lazy |
17% |
|
Honest |
15% |
|
Inconsiderate |
15% |
|
Practical |
14% |
|
Undedicated |
14% |
|
Considerate |
13% |
|
Dishonest |
7% |
Figure 2: Top 10 perceptions people think their colleagues would view them as if they take time off
Number of sick days rises as presenteeism takes its toll
For employees who took time off when unwell, the average number of days taken rose in 2017, from 2.8 to 4.4.
The majority of those who took time off for illness in 2017 were out of the office for between one and five days. Overall, the number who took this amount of time off remained fairly static, at 30% in 2016 and 28% in 2017. However, around one in twelve (8%) took between 11 and 20 sick days in total – the highest proportion since 2015.
Figure 3: Average sick days taken 2014-2017
Employees want help to take preventative measures
Employees say their wellbeing would improve with flexible working, a positive attitude towards the issue and increased workplace support. Three in ten (28%) say flexible working options would help with both their physical and mental health and this was particularly popular amongst women, with one third (33%) agreeing.
A similar number of workers (27%) also said a more positive workplace attitude towards health and wellbeing would help, while a fifth (19%) said better workplace support (for example, Employee Assistance Programmes) would be beneficial.
The Employee View
Canada Life Group Insurance canvassed the opinions of employees across the UK to understand their thoughts on the topic of workplace presenteeism.
When asked about the perception of taking a sick day, one employee responded: “I am always viewed with scepticism if I take time off and I return to a massive workload.” While the topic of how seriously employee wellbeing is taken by their employer generated this response from another respondent: “[Illness is] Taken seriously, but we’re a small company and there’s no cover.”
Paul Avis, Marketing Director at Canada Life Group Insurance, comments: “Presenteeism is a vicious cycle; the drive to remain in the office can cause illness to spread or end up leading to a longer recovery time. It is encouraging to see that many employees view those taking time off for illness in a positive way, being described as genuine, honest and sensible. To reduce presenteeism, these positive perceptions must be encouraged so workplaces can reduce any stigma attached to taking time off.
“Failing to take a sick day can have a significant impact on business performance as employees fail to recuperate properly. As well as changing perceptions, employers can offer much more to support staff when they are unwell.
“Early Intervention Services are available alongside Group Income Protection products and include proactive absence management interventions to facilitate a return to work when employees are fit and able to do so. Employee Assistance Programmes are also provided at no extra cost and provide daily practical support as well as communicating an employer’s commitment to their staff’s health and wellbeing.”