Seven in 10 UK private sector employees have gone to work unwell when they should have taken the day off a recent report shows.

Equivalent to 18 million go to work unwell according to the Aviva Working Lives report. In contrast, less than 23 per cent say they have taken a day off work sick when they were not actually unwell, indicating that UK employees are three times more likely to go to work unwell than they are to 'pull a sickie'.

The fourth edition of the Working Lives report - which examines the attitudes and experiences of employers and employees on issues affecting the present and future of the UK workplace - also carries a wake-up call to businesses, as more than 43 per cent of employees feel that their employer puts the results of the company ahead of their health and wellbeing.

However, the findings also illustrate that through investing in the health and wellbeing of their employees, employers can generate tangible returns, with over 77 per cent of businesses who offer benefits highlighting a positive impact on the workforce.

Widespread 'presenteeism' as average sick days fall

In what may be a surprise to employers, Aviva's findings suggest private sector workers are fearful of heavy workloads if they take time off, as more than 41 per cent say their work will pile up if they are off sick. With people continuing to work while they are unwell, it is likely that they are less productive as a consequence and in turn could also affect the health of other employees.

The worrying trend comes against the backdrop of a historic fall in the average number of sick days taken annually by UK employees, dropping to a record low of 4.3 days in 2016 compared with 7.2 days in 1993 when tracking began.

Minority of employers give increased attention to health and wellbeing

The report findings highlight that only 13 per cent of employers feel there has been more of a focus on employee health and wellbeing over the past year, while just over 12 per cent feel that there has been an improvement in the working environment over the past year, with employees seeming healthier and happier.

Investing in health and wellbeing pays off.

However, Aviva's findings also suggest that those businesses who do invest in their employees' health and wellbeing are reaping the rewards. Of those that offer health and wellbeing benefits, more than 77 per cent believe this has had a positive impact on the workforce. Employers also report increased happiness levels (41 per cent) among employees with improved morale (32 per cent) and productivity (30 per cent) as a result of having initiatives in place to keep employees healthy.

Furthermore, in a sign of potential changes afoot 65 per cent of businesses think the workforce will work more flexibly in five years' time. Notably, of the 64 per cent of businesses who currently offer flexible working, almost 68 per cent said their employees were happier as a consequence.

Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director, Aviva UK Health, said: "While every business wants the right level of resource in place, having employees who are unwell at work is a false economy. Businesses need to ensure they create a working culture whereby people do not feel pressurised into coming to work when they are unwell, safe in the knowledge their absence can be effectively managed.

"Presenteeism, driven in part by an increased 'always-on' culture, poses a genuine threat to overall business performance through the adverse impact on productivity and morale in the workplace. Businesses should ensure they take the lead on communicating proactively to employees that it's important to take a step back when unwell and it can be in everyone's interest.

"Businesses can also counter such issues by ensuring they continue to explore new ways in which to improve the working experience for employees. Investment in health and wellbeing is no longer a nice to have; it must be looked on as a priority."

What do you think about health and wellbeing in the workplace? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk

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