Could better workplace health reduce staff losses?
When an employee develops a health problem, the consequences stretch far beyond a few days of absence. On 23 September, the Government published an update to its Keep Britain Working programme. Ministers set out plans for what they describe as Britain’s first Workplace Health System.
The scale of the problem
The numbers tell a stark story. Around 300,000 people with health conditions leave employment each year. Meanwhile, roughly 2.8 million working-age people remain economically inactive because of ill health or disability.
Consequently, the Government argues that earlier intervention could keep more people in work. Rather than waiting for long-term absence to take hold, employers should act sooner.
A useful lesson for employers
Many businesses understandably focus on sickness absence only once someone has been away for weeks. However, earlier conversations often prove far more productive. Managers therefore need to recognise the warning signs and respond confidently.
Simple changes frequently make a genuine difference. For example, employers might consider:
- adjusting working hours or shift patterns
- reallocating demanding duties for a short period
- agreeing temporary hybrid or home-working arrangements
- signposting employees towards occupational health support
- scheduling regular, informal check-ins
Why timing matters so much
Return-to-work arrangements also deserve close attention. Government figures suggest someone absent for four to six weeks has a 96% chance of returning. By contrast, fewer than half of those absent for a full year come back.
In other words, the first few weeks count enormously. Could better workplace health reduce staff losses? Evidence increasingly suggests it can.
The impact on smaller businesses
For smaller employers, losing an experienced person proves particularly disruptive. Recruitment costs form only part of the picture. Knowledge, client relationships and productivity often walk out of the door too.
Therefore, workplace health should never sit solely with HR. Instead, treat it as a commercial priority. Supporting employees well ultimately protects the skills, experience and resilience your business depends upon.
Could better workplace health reduce staff losses? For most organisations, the honest answer is yes.
Talk to us
If you would like to review your absence management, return-to-work or wellbeing arrangements, please get in touch with our team. We would be glad to help you build a healthier, more resilient workforce.
