Long-term sickness causing declining productivity at UK companies - research

Increase in healthcare benefit provision costs

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 2 min read

Around 78% of UK businesses have seen increased absenteeism due to long-term health issues among employees, resulting in 34% suffering an overall decline in productivity, research by Barnett Waddingham has found.

The independent consultancy surveyed 301 HR directors and C-suite business leaders in UK companies, and found employees with long-term health issues were most common among the 55-68 age group (34%), although these issues were observed across all ages. Due to long-term sickness, these businesses said they encountered additional challenges, including increased employee workloads (40%), a decline in staff morale (35%), an increase in people-related risk (31%) and a decline in overall employee wellbeing (29%). Two-thirds of businesses (66%) said they have seen an increase in healthcare be...

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 Group Protection

Half of employees want more flexible healthcare options: Simplyhealth

Half of employees want more flexible healthcare options: Simplyhealth

15% of employees found it difficult to access healthcare

Jaskeet Briah
clock 14 July 2026 • 1 min read
Government to create Workplace Health Intelligence Unit as part of Keep Britain Working Review

Government to create Workplace Health Intelligence Unit as part of Keep Britain Working Review

Making workplace health performance visible

Jaskeet Briah
clock 06 July 2026 • 2 min read
Unum UK adds personalised cancer navigation service

Unum UK adds personalised cancer navigation service

Partnership with Reframe Cancer

Jaskeet Briah
clock 03 July 2026 • 2 min read