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...

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