Chronic conditions are growing issue for employers

55% to renegotiate terms or switch benefit providers

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 2 min read

Musculoskeletal and other chronic conditions have been identified as a growing concern for employers, with 63% of businesses citing these as a key issue in 2025, rising from 51% in 2023, WTW has found.

According to the advisory firm's 2026 Absence Management Survey, employee absence is becoming an increasing challenge for UK employers. It found that 55% of businesses reported experiencing difficulties due to the rising costs associated with absence or disability. Mental health continued to be the primary cause of concern for employers when it comes to employee absence. With the rising importance of chronic conditions, 55% of employers reported an increase in long-term absence and disability. In response, 57% of businesses planned to integrate absence management more closely w...

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

Keep Britain Working lacks awareness among SMEs: GRiD

Keep Britain Working lacks awareness among SMEs: GRiD

75% of UK employers have heard of the review

Cameron Roberts
clock 14 July 2026 • 2 min read
Young workers call for greater employer health support

Young workers call for greater employer health support

Faster access to mental health support valued most

Jaskeet Briah
clock 13 July 2026 • 2 min read
Confusion on workplace benefit coverage is top barrier to usage

Confusion on workplace benefit coverage is top barrier to usage

Research from Health Shield Friendly Society

Jaskeet Briah
clock 09 July 2026 • 2 min read