Absenteeisim expected to rise with increased festive break

Companies should be preparing to tackle increased absenteeism this festive season as the UK enjoys a four day break rather than the traditional two day holiday, according to leading HR & psychological health specialists Validium.

Whilst Winter related illnesses account for much of the increase in absenteeism, this year Validium, which operates telephone helplines on behalf of UK businesses, is warning companies to expect a rise is stress related absence primarily because families are having to spend more time together and equally, people with no family are on their own for longer.

ìChristmas is always a stressful time as we are driven to create a perfect time in our world. In the lead up to the holiday we become tired and pressurised as we try to finish up at work, shop for presents, decorate the home, and turn into ideal cooks. We donít think about ourselves and when we finally stop to spend time with our families we are already wound up and it doesnít take much for arguments and problems to arise.

ìSome people often use work as an escape at this time of year but with the four day break we are expecting a rise in people calling for help to deal with emotional issues and, as a consequence a likely increase is expected in people being off work after the holiday with stress related problems. Our helplines, which are open every day including Christmas day, receive many calls at this time primarily with people experiencing relationship difficulties and then in the New Year, the calls become debt related,î said Anne Payne, Executive Director, Validium.

To help alleviate absenteeism companies, and people in general, should become more vigilant in recognising the stress triggers and deal with situations before a person takes time off.

Companies should offer an independent support source to find strength and solutions to problems. Equally people should actively look after themselves at this time of year by ensuring that they eat and sleep well, take time to relax and donít build up unrealistic expectations.

ìOften people just need someone outwith their social circles to talk to. Someone who is not going to judge them at work or have a family related agenda but who is completely independent and can see through the issues and provide clear advice to their problems,î added Anne.

Validium, which has offices in Buckinghamshire and Glasgow, specialises in delivering Employee Assisted Programmes and other related services, such as helplines, counselling, audits & surveys, post-trauma and critical incident support and mediation and investigation, on behalf of many companies, spanning some xxxx UK employees. Its services are delivered by an in-house team of highly experienced clinical case managers and telephone counsellors, and a comprehensive UK-wide network of qualified psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors. Further information is available from: