Recent research indicates that workers in the United Kingdom have taken more sick days in the past year than in the last decade, according to findings by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD).

On average, employees took 7.8 sick days, up from 5.8 pre-pandemic. The CIPD expressed concern over this increase and attributed it to factors such as stress, the lingering effects of Covid-19, and the cost-of-living crisis, all of which are significantly impacting people's wellbeing.

The comprehensive study, which examined absence rates in over 900 organizations representing 6.5 million employees, was conducted by healthcare company Simplyhealth. The research identified minor illnesses as the primary cause of short-term absences, followed by musculoskeletal injuries and mental health issues.

Additionally, over a third of organizations reported that Covid-19 still contributed significantly to sick days.

Employees on long-term sick leave cited reasons such as mental health problems, musculoskeletal injuries, cancer, and stroke. Changes in work culture since the pandemic, coupled with the financial strain caused by the cost of living, have left some employees feeling stressed and disengaged, as per the CIPD.

The shift to remote work, while beneficial in many ways, also posed challenges for those who live alone or have limited social interaction.

While most surveyed organizations offered sick pay, only about half had implemented strategies to improve employee wellbeing. Despite these efforts, the CIPD emphasized that rates of absence were still on the rise and called on employers to take more proactive steps to address the situation.

Senior employee wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, Rachel Suff, stressed the importance of creating an open and supportive workplace culture where employees feel comfortable coming forward with their health concerns.