Sick days are few and far between in the UK, with the average amount of annual sick days per employee sitting at 4.6. This positions the country 7th in terms of the amount of sickness days taken [3] compared to the rest of the world.
Comparing this to Germany's average of over 18 sickness days per employee, the UK's ranking does not necessarily prove that our population is healthier but instead may suggest that, with the pressures of heavy workloads and tight deadlines, employees may not feel comfortable taking time off.
Is a Low Absence Rate a Good Sign?
Of course, more sick days puts a business under financial pressure, however by creating a workplace culture in which employees feel pressured to come to work when they are ill, businesses may take a greater financial hit in the long run.
‘Presenteeism', the term used to describe an employee who is constantly present at work despite being unwell, is likely to make employees 30% less productive [4]. Hygiene and essential service providers Direct365 have identified the importance of providing a healthy working environment for their employees. This can help ensure that employee productivity is maintained, and that staff do not experience burnout because of illness on top of busy workloads.
The best way to reduce sickness and create a healthier office is by having employees that want to create that too. Having people who are conscious of each other, and that care is what a good company and community does. In order to create this, the business must implement necessary practices to motivate their employees to look out for each other.
How to create a healthier workplace?
1. Provide Sanitiser, Soap and a Place to Dry Hands
Whilst COVID precautions may have calmed down in offices, this does not mean that regular hand sanitation is not necessary. Between a lack of hot water, bad soap provisions and nowhere to dry hands, many workplace bathrooms aren't up to standard.
2. Allow People to Work from Home When Sick
During the pandemic employees became used to working from home where possible and while most workplaces have now returned to the office, and many with a hybrid working policy, workers who are too unwell to work are forcing themselves into the office, rather than opting to work from home or taking the day off. By allowing people to judge whether they are too unwell to come to the workspace, you will experience less sickness in your workforce.
3. Use Air Purifiers to Tackle Sickness>
Investing in an air purifying service can be a huge benefit to your workforce. Used to filter the bacteria out from your premises with a fan system, it cleans germs from indoor spaces and reduces the risk of illness. At a low cost, and an effective outcome, you could seriously reduce the chances of frequent sickness in your workplace.
4. Have an Open Door Policy on Sickness and Wellbeing Talk
Whilst it is easier for employees to feel that they can take time off work for a physical illness, there are many mental health and wellbeing situations can mean someone isn't well. Ensure you have an open-door policy on illness, whether it be physical or mental.
5. Create Health Clubs and Workshops for Employees
Showing employees how they can become healthier is a sure-fire way to motivate them. Creating hubs or workshop spaces for workers to get advice on health, fitness and wellbeing can guide them into making better choices, both mentally and physically.
6. Create a Community of Employees that Care
The best way to reduce sickness and create a healthier office is by having employees who are conscious of each other and that care about their working community. Ensure during your hiring process that you're looking to recruit those who want to contribute to the culture of your business.
Karl Bantleman, Head of Digital at Direct365 said: "When we have heavy workloads or are working towards tight deadlines, it is easy to ignore your health, which can have a detrimental affect further down the line, both physically and mentally. Therefore, it is important for employers to recognise and communicate the importance of health and wellbeing to their staff by going above and beyond to ensure that the office is a healthy place to work. This will not only reduce staff illness but increase employee retention and more motivated staff which will make for happy customers."
For more information about Direct365, visit https://www.direct365.co.uk/blog/6-tips-to-create-a-healthier-office/