Sickness absence: A problem not to be sniffed at

On 'National Sickie Day'

clock • 3 min read

With sickness absence a major issue for organisations, Chris Kerridge offers advice about how employers can manage it more effectively

Today, the first Monday in February, is 'National Sickie Day'; allegedly the day when staff are most likely to call in sick. While the legitimacy of this is debatable, it is true that the winter months typically see higher absence rates, often due to seasonal illnesses as well as low mood and the post-Christmas blues. It is also true that Monday is by far the most common day for people to call in sick - according to a survey by the ELAS Group, Mondays accounted for nine of the top 10 days for absence. Regardless of the truth around National Sickie Day, one thing is clear: unplanned ab...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Employee Benefits

Unum UK adds Health Network to Help@hand

Unum UK adds Health Network to Help@hand

Partnership with YoungMinds

Jaskeet Briah
clock 18 June 2025 • 2 min read
Diagnostics rank as most 'essential' employee benefit for businesses

Diagnostics rank as most 'essential' employee benefit for businesses

Benenden Health research

Jaskeet Briah
clock 11 June 2025 • 2 min read
Employee benefits strategy shifting among UK businesses: WTW

Employee benefits strategy shifting among UK businesses: WTW

Businesses looking to improve health benefits

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 June 2025 • 2 min read