High levels of employee absences average close to two full workweeks annually for each individual worker
In today's fast-paced work environment, the role of HR professionals has never been more crucial. They play a critical part in building effective and high-performing organisations, as highlighted by the majority of business leaders who recognise the value of good health and wellbeing for their organisations (74%).
According to a recent survey involving over 1,100 employers, the average sick leave in the UK was 9.4 days in the last 12 months, a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels (5.8 days). The survey findings underscore the need for organisations to address workforce health proactively.
Mental ill health, minor illnesses, stress, and caring responsibilities for children are the top causes of short-term absence (up to four weeks). Recognising this, the most common measures taken to support mental health are access to counselling, phased return to work, and employee assistance programs. However, training managers to support staff with mental ill health is less common, with only 29% of organisations reportedly doing so.
Rachel Suff, senior wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, emphasises the importance of employers taking a proactive approach to support employees managing health conditions while working. To reduce sickness absence, employers are urged to manage health risks at work, ensure jobs don't contribute to poor health, and provide effective support for employees with long-term conditions.
In 2025, several organisations intensified their focus on employee health and well-being by implementing comprehensive workplace health management (BGM) programs. These programs, structured in six phases from needs assessment to sustainable integration, included establishing health policies, interdisciplinary health committees, allocated budgets, training experts and managers, involving employees actively, communicating internally, and using continuous improvement processes and data infrastructure to maintain health initiatives.
Companies like HyHealth offered tailored health coaching combining exercise, nutrition, stress management, and biohacking to enhance employee performance and satisfaction within corporate culture. Additionally, some organisations provided mindfulness and stress management training to help employees deal with personal and work-related challenges.
HR professionals themselves should not be overlooked in this equation. They are expected to balance multiple accountabilities and manage sensitive and high-pressure issues. To maintain their wellbeing, practical steps include setting clear boundaries, creating spaces to reflect, and connecting with peers for support and learning. After all, their own wellbeing is essential to deliver what is required of them.
The CIPD's resources, such as the 24-hour counselling helpline, are available for HR professionals who need further support. Employee wellbeing is on senior leaders' agendas more than in 2020 (61%), indicating a growing recognition of the importance of this issue. As we navigate through these challenging times, it's clear that supporting the mental health and wellbeing of HR professionals and employees alike will be a key priority for organisations moving forward.
Read also:
- Transforming Spaces for Fresh Air: The Role of Architecture and Interior Design in Promoting Healthier Environments
- Deer in Canada are being eradicated by a "zombie-like illness", posing a threat to hunters
- Applications for the 2026 HRCIF program will become available shortly
- Cholera's Origins and Transmission Explored
