Most people hate having a day off work sick, worrying about taking time off and what kind of work you will come back to in the office. But did you know you are not the only ones worrying? Yes your boss worries, but also your fellow colleagues do.
Aviva conducted a study of 1000 adults from 500 different employers. They found that 45 per cent of companies think that long term absence is one of the biggest issues a business can face. The reason that it is such a major problem is the impact it can have on the rest of the business.
When someone goes off sick, 40 per cent of colleagues have to pick up that person’s workload, which adds more stress to their working day. This extra stress placed on their shoulders results in 17 per cent of those members of staff taking a sick day – which then starts the process all over again.
Furthermore 27 per cent of employers say output falls when someone in the office is off ill and 21 per cent believe that moral suffers.
Speaking of the findings, Steve Bridger, Aviva’s Head of Group Risk said: “Sickness absence not only has a knock on effect to other employees, but adds to the business concerns of employers as a whole.”
However to combat the issues, there are some measures that companies can take, but only a few in the study are already doing so. 20 per cent currently provide stress training for their staff to help them spot early symptoms and signs. Whilst 22 per cent of employers offer private medical insurance and only 13 per cent offer group income protection to their staff – which would make getting back into work happen much more quickly, Mr Bridger said.
“While it is encouraging that employers are implementing preventative measures to help them control the effects of sickness absence, take-up of one of the most effective solutions – group income protection – is still relatively low.
“Many of the challenges employers and employees face as a result of sickness absence can be addressed by group income protection. In addition to offering employers financial support, employees can receive a partial benefit if they make a staged return to work, while accessing a wide range of rehabilitation support to help aid their recovery.”
Do you worry about taking a sick day off work and leaving your workload to other members of staff? Or do you think the worrying should be left to the boss so you can concentrate on getting better?
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I do feel guilty when I take a day off work ill, which is why I only take one if i really cannot get out of bed. But my office allows us to work from home, if necessary which cuts down the burden on my colleagues. More workplace should take this up as more than likely you are taking a day off work as you don’t want to spread your germs around the office.
Yes Sue a working form home policy would make sense when you are well enough to work, but don’t want to infect the whole office. But some people could take advantage of this and say they are ill when instead they cannot be bothered to get dressed and drive to work.