Absence levels have returned back to levels seen in 2010 and 2011, rising by almost a full day from 6.8 to 7.6 days. Interestingly, the increase is mainly seen in the private sector with the gap between absence rates in the private sector and public sector appearing to narrow.
Stress and musculoskeletal conditions are no longer the two top causes of absence with acute conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and cancer now leading. However, 40% of organisations still report an increase in absence as a result of mental health issues.
Musculoskeletal injuries, back pain and stress are common causes of short term absence. Stress is more common for non-manual workers, while musculoskeletal injuries and back pain remains a more common cause of absence for manual workers. 45% of organisations report back pain as one of the leading causes of short term absence.
