Recent research released by Bupa shows that HR managers blame overindulgence during the festive season for staff absence above any other cause of sick leave.
While 20 per cent of those polled believe that staff pull sickies as a direct result of overindulgence in the party season, a further 22 per cent believe that overdoing it weakens the immune systems of employees, leading to increased illness and absence, meaning that a total of 42 per cent of HR managers attribute December absence to festive overindulgence.
While flu, colds and upset stomachs are the most common reasons given by employees themselves for taking time off in December, just 33 per cent of HR managers believe that an increase in genuine illness over the period is the biggest cause of absence.
It’s mainly younger staff who are calling in sick with 50 per cent of those polled saying that staff under the age of 30 are the ones who take the most time off. Nearly half of HR managers (46%) say that women take the most time off in December, followed by 27 per cent who say men are the worst culprits.
The staff left behind are having to pick up the pieces with the majority of HR managers saying that December absence causes increased workloads for other staff (65%), more stress (35%) and an increase in customer complaints (21%).
78 per cent of the companies polled in the study have introduced policies specifically aimed at tackling December absenteeism, from introducing flu jabs and gym membership to more hard-line policies like threatening to withhold pay from those discovered pulling a sickie.
Dr Jenny Leeser, Clinical Director of Occupational Health, Bupa, said, “The winter months do see an increased rate of absence caused by seasonal illnesses, but the effect of the festive party season on the workplace cannot be ignored either. In any case, widespread absence causes increased workload and potentially increased stress levels for employees in work. Overdoing things isn’t good for anyone’s health.
“Businesses can prepare themselves ahead of this December dip, supporting employees who are being placed under increased pressure and putting measures in place to prevent sickness such as offering ‘flu jabs and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. But it is also up to the employee to take responsibility for their personal health, taking their employer up on the offer of a free ‘flu jab and taking positive steps to prevent illness, such as getting enough sleep, drinking sensibly and eating healthily.”
Healthcare provider Bupa recommends the following to help you stay healthy during winter:
– Ensure you have a balanced diet including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day to get the recommended amount of vitamins and nutrients.
– Cold viruses are often passed on by direct contact so, if someone has a cold you may be able to stop it spreading by maintaining good hygiene – and keeping your distance! For example, don’t share towels, do wash your hands in hot soapy water and clean surfaces such as door handles or toys that have been touched by the person who has the cold.
– Exercise helps by giving a sense of wellbeing and can also help relieve anxiety. A brisk walk for 30 minutes every a day can improve happiness and boost self-image. It is also good for keeping those extra Christmas kilos under control.
– Adults generally need eight hours sleep a night to allow the body to replenish energy stores and repair itself, so try to get some early nights if you need to catch up for the odd night out.
Source : Bupa
