Organisations are facing a double whammy of employee absences due to swine flu and mental health reasons, according to findings from the second Absence Risk Barometer, produced by leading absence management provider Active Health Partners (AHP).
Reporting on key findings on data taken in the 52 weeks to 30 September 2009, as well as comparing data from quarter three (July to September) to that from the same quarter in 2008, the barometer quantifies the risk of absence in different organisations and sectors. By multiplying the frequency of absence by the mean number of days of absence, a Simple Risk Estimate (SRE) is created for each reason for absence, such as mental health, musculoskeletal, infection and gastrointestinal, to provide an insight into sickness related absences in specific industry sectors across the UK.
The report shows that the incidence of absences due to infections (including flu, swine flu, colds and viruses) from July to September 2009 have increased by 96% compared to those in April to June, with the SRE rising from 44.17 to 86.58. This most recent quarter represents the highest in the year to date for infection related absences, which correlates with the increase in incidents of self-reported swine flu. Each swine flu absence results in an average of 5.16 working days lost in the private sector as employees took time off to recover, compared to 5.88 days lost in the public sector.
Bruce Robinson, chief executive of AHP comments: “It is clear to see that swine flu related absences are having an impact on businesses due to the number of working days lost. As the incidence of swine flu is widely expected to increase over the coming winter months, organisations should ensure they have contingency plans in place to ensure minimum disruption to their operations.“
In addition, the report shows a 25% increase in mental health absences in the 52 weeks to 30 September. Although the incidence of mental health absences across all sectors is less than 5% of all absences, they have a high SRE of 82.67 due to each mental health related spell having increased in duration. Each absence now lasts an average of 18.59 days, up from 16.21 days.
“Clearly, it is not just swine flu that employers need to prepare for. The time taken by employees to recover from a mental health related absence, highlights the need for organisations to be able to identify and understand the potential impact of these absences,” continues Bruce. “Identifying these risks will enable organisations to develop a focused strategy, and where necessary, deliver a consistent supportive approach, together with appropriate case management to provide employee support.”
Bruce concludes: “We’ve been delighted with the response to the launch of the Absence Risk Barometer. It has long been recognised that traditional approaches to absence fail to address the core reasons for absence, and we have always known that employers are keen to understand the causes and costs of absence before taking action on more effective management. The Absence Risk Barometer has allowed employers to do just that, helping them put in place strategies that are targeted, effective and cost efficient.”
Download the Risk Barometer as PDF
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