The Pandemic May Be Over, But Workforce Sickness Isn’t - What Can Employers Do?
- barry923
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The world may have moved on from the height of the coronavirus pandemic, but one lingering issue remains, workforce sickness. Across developed economies, more employees than ever are reporting health conditions that limit their ability to work, and absenteeism is reaching record highs.
In the UK alone, a staggering 185.6 million working days were lost to sickness in 2022, compared to 138.2 million working days pre-Covid in 2019* spanning everything from minor illnesses to musculoskeletal conditions and mental health struggles. In 2024 the UK Civil Service reported that mental ill-health was the largest cause of long term sickness absence (46.9%), followed by musculoskeletal conditions (13.5%)**.
For businesses, this is an operational challenge that impacts productivity, team morale, and financial performance. But tackling rising sickness rates isn’t about quick fixes or penalising absences. It’s about striking the right balance between compassion and accountability to create a healthier, more resilient workforce.
The Reality: Why Are More People Off Sick?
Several factors are driving the rise in workplace sickness:
Healthcare backlogs – Post-pandemic NHS delays mean many employees are struggling with untreated or worsening health conditions.
Mental health crisis – Younger workers, in particular, are reporting more work-limiting mental health conditions than ever before.
Changing employee expectations – Increased awareness of mental health and workplace stress has shifted attitudes toward taking sick leave.
Long term conditions on the rise – More employees are managing chronic illnesses that impact their ability to work effectively.
Ignoring these trends isn’t an option. Businesses must adapt or risk not only losing productivity but also damaging trust and engagement among their teams.
Striking the Right Balance: Support vs. Accountability
A healthy workforce isn’t just about minimising sick days, it’s about fostering an environment where employees feel supported while also maintaining fairness and operational efficiency. Here’s how businesses can achieve that balance:
1. Transparent sickness policies build trust
A clear and fair absence policy ensures employees understand expectations around reporting sickness, providing documentation, and returning to work. When policies are applied consistently, they foster mutual respect and prevent resentment from growing among colleagues who pick up the slack.
2. Data should inform, not punish
Patterns of absenteeism—such as frequent Monday absences or spikes around holidays—can be useful indicators of burnout, stress, or personal struggles. But weaponising absence data to penalise employees will backfire, creating a culture of fear rather than trust. Instead, data should be used to start conversations, helping managers identify where additional support may be needed.
3. Flexibility is a benefit, not an entitlement
Many businesses have embraced flexible working arrangements, but without clear boundaries, trust can erode. Employees should understand that flexibility is designed to support well-being and productivity—not to be taken for granted. A balanced approach ensures flexibility remains a two-way street that benefits both employer and employee.
4. Handling health information with care
Workplace health data isn’t just a compliance issue, it’s a matter of trust and dignity. Employees are more likely to seek support when they know their health concerns will be handled discreetly and professionally. This creates a workplace where people feel comfortable discussing their needs without fear of stigma or negative consequences.
The future of workplace health: A partnership, not a one-sided effort
Some businesses believe that high salaries or career growth opportunities are enough to retain top talent. But in today’s competitive market, a genuine commitment to employee well-being is just as powerful. The most successful organisations recognise that workplace health isn’t just an HR issue—it’s a strategic investment.
At Medstars, we help businesses take proactive steps towards smarter, more effective healthcare solutions for their teams. By creating a workplace where health is prioritised, trust is built, and expectations are clear, companies can move beyond simply managing absenteeism and instead cultivate a thriving, engaged workforce.
Because when it comes to workplace health, it’s not just about avoiding sick days - it’s about building a workplace where employees can perform at their best, today and in the long term.
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