Workers taking sick days due to poor wellbeing

Almost three quarters of UK employees admit that their ability to concentrate at work is negatively affected by poor wellbeing, according to research by CABA, a wellbeing charity for chartered accountants.

The survey of 2,000 people found that stress in the workplace is a common concern for employees, with 13% feeling stressed at least once a day.

Just over one in five (22%) employees believe working hours affect their workplace wellbeing, and 15% cited organisational culture as a factor. Others feel that good managers (10%) and their personal development at work (6%) impact their wellbeing.

The research also revealed that due to employer expectations and work pressures, employees miss at least 26 occasions or social events every year including gym classes, date nights, drinks with friends, and even weddings and birthdays, CABA said.

Laura Little, learning and development manager at CABA, commented: “Our research identified that struggling with poor wellbeing is not a small issue — it’s having a hugely negative impact on a large number of employees, both at work and home. Almost half (42%) of respondents said that as a result of poor wellbeing they have needed to take more sick days, whilst 58% have experienced reduced mental wellbeing and 54% have had more conflicts with their colleagues.”

Asked what they would like to see introduced into their workplace to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, the most popular option was free healthy snacks/breakfasts, chosen by 39%, followed by free gym-style exercise classes (25%), free mobility classes (25%), and regular access to a massage (25%).

Little concluded: “Asking employees to provide feedback about what their company could do better not only makes them feel valued but could also provide important insight into how to get the best out of team members. Simple steps such as encouraging exercise can help to boost productivity and increase mental focus, making for a happier workforce. Investing in improving people’s wellbeing at work will be a welcome effort, likely to be rewarding for employees and employers alike.”