New report explores the causes of rising absence and the benefits of taking a proactive approach to workplace wellbeing
New CIPD data shows that sickness absence in the UK is at its highest level in more than 15 years.
The Health and wellbeing at work report, supported by Simplyhealth, explores the causes of absence and highlights the urgent need for more proactive workplace wellbeing strategies.
We’re giving people professionals valuable insights and benchmarking data to help build an evidence-based business case for investing in the health and wellbeing of the workforce – including themselves.
The business benefits of taking a proactive approach are clear: reduced absence, greater employee engagement, better retention rates and stronger performance.
“Supporting staff wellbeing is the right thing to do and makes business sense. The longer someone is off sick, the more they will struggle to return and the bigger the cost to their employer.”
UK employees are taking an average of 9.4 days sickness absence a year – nearly two working weeks. This marks a steep rise from 7.8 days in 2023 and 5.8 days before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on responses from more than 1,100 employers, we found that long-term absence (four weeks or more) is most commonly driven by:
For short-term absence, the top causes are minor illnesses (78%), mental ill health (29%) and stress or caring responsibilities (26%).
Our research finds that most employers (74%) now place employee wellbeing on the senior leadership agenda - a positive increase from 61% in 2020. But many employers remain reactive, focused on support once someone is unwell, rather than taking proactive steps to avoid ill health and absence.
Common measures include access to counselling, employee assistance programmes, or return-to-work adjustments. Less common, but particularly effective, is training line managers to spot early warning signs, hold supportive conversations and create healthier team cultures.
“By offering preventative care through easy-to-access health benefits that target the key drivers of absence – mental ill health, musculoskeletal issues and minor illnesses - employees are able to seek support early, before symptoms escalate."
People professionals are well-placed to lead impactful, evidence-based approaches to support wellbeing that are truly embedded into organisational culture. And as your professional body, we’ve got all the insights, tools and resources you need to do this.
But we know that leading wellbeing at an organisational level isn’t easy when you’re facing your own wellbeing challenges too – often exacerbated by heavy workloads, emotionally challenging situations and growing organisational demands.
That’s why, over the next two months, our ‘Focus on health and wellbeing’ will explore not just how the people profession can support their organisations, but also the ways in which the CIPD can help you to prioritise your own wellbeing.
“Prioritising your own health and wellbeing is a key step in building a healthy and resilient organisation for the business and everyone who works there – and it sends a powerful message that wellbeing is a business priority”
A companion report, Health and wellbeing at work: views of employees, brings the data to life from the employee perspective – strengthening the case for healthier, more sustainable workplaces. While two-thirds of employees rate their health as good or very good, a quarter believe that work is harming both their mental and physical health – equivalent to around eight million people across the UK workforce.
The findings highlight both the risks and opportunities for employers. Heavy workloads, poor relationships and excessive pressure are linked with poorer health outcomes, while homeworking and capable line managers are associated with more positive perceptions. The evidence is clear: employers should reduce the main health risks by creating working environments that actively support wellbeing.
This year’s report is part of our Focus on: employee health and wellbeing series, running throughout September and October. The series will provide curated resources, practical tools, evidence-based insights and guidance to help people professionals strengthen wellbeing strategies across their organisations and protect their own health at the same time.
Download the Health and wellbeing at work 2025 report, supported by Simplyhealth, to explore the data in more detail and find recommendations to strengthen your organisation’s approach to wellbeing.
The CIPD membership survey What do you want from your CIPD membership in 2026? Complete the survey by 12 October.
Watch our webinar to explore how organisations can create a work environment that supports employees throughout their career including in menopause and fertility challenges as well as with their menstrual health.
Register now
Use our range of practical tools to help you manage absence effectively
Our research explores how current flexible and hybrid working practices are impacting performance, employee engagement and wellbeing
