Almost a third (30%) of employees have admitted that they have or would consider ‘pulling a sickie’ to miss work, despite feeling healthy, according to research from MetLife UK.
The protection and employee benefits provider’s research, for which it surveyed 2,009 employees, has been published to coincide with National Sickie Day (Monday 3 February), the day when most workers are likely to phone in sick.
Two-fifths (40%) of respondents admitted they feel burned out, rising to 47% for women compared to 31% of men. Three in 10 (31%) cited needing time away from the workplace as their excuse.
Some revealed they need extra time off work last minute due to personal circumstances. Almost a quarter (23%) said they took time off to attend a necessary appointment, 17% did so due to emergency childcare issues, and 15% to care for a relative.
Of those who have previously called in sick, 45% have taken up to a week off, 31% have taken up to three days, and 17% have taken less than a day.
The report highlighted that stress, declining productivity and a lack of engagement continue to be a significant challenge and are contributing to increasing absenteeism in the UK.
Adrian Matthews, head of employee benefits at MetLife UK, said: “While taking pre-arranged and paid time off work is crucial for employee wellbeing, it’s essential to understand the underlying reasons for increased sick leave, both genuine illness and sickie days. These absences can stem from a variety of factors, including mental health concerns, financial stress and childcare challenges. Workplace employee health and wellbeing benefits and other supportive policies can greatly support with this, in fact many are designed to provide pre-early intervention by preventing any illness occurring.
“By deploying regular, effective and varied communication about all the employee benefits they offer we believe that both genuine illness and some ‘sickie days’ can be minimised. As an employee, if you’re ever worried or concerned about your mental health in the workplace, it’s important to explore what employee benefits your employer offers, there may be support.”
