How to reduce sickness absence rates by 17%

Did you know businesses could reduce sickness absence by 17% if they provided physiotherapy or medical help for their workers experiencing joint and muscle pain? 

 

We know from our own GPs and physiotherapists that helping workers access healthcare quickly means employers save in the long run, as they are supporting their staff member to be back at work. 

 

But to read the research which says employers could slice 17% off their sickness absence by doing so made us sit up. 

 

We'll link the research below, along with a recommendation for HR managers and employers to have a read, as it goes into the multiple factors of why people could be off with MSK pain, and what employers might do to alleviate it. 

 

But the headline figure of 17% remains with us. What difference might you may in your workplace if you could reduce sickness absence by so much? 

 

 

According to the Office for National Statistics, 1 in 13 workers in the UK are currently on long-term sick leave. Of these, about 30% are off due to musculoskeletal issues, equating to roughly 654,000 people. 

 

If UK businesses implemented preventative pain management programmes, they could potentially help 33,354 employees return to work. With the average UK salary at £35,830, this translates to a potential saving of £1.2 billion annually in sick pay and lost productivity. 

 

However, the impact of pain on businesses extends beyond absenteeism. Presenteeism - where employees work while unwell, leading to reduced productivity - is estimated to cost UK employers £26 billion annually. Musculoskeletal conditions are a major contributor to this figure. 

 

By addressing pain early, companies can tackle both absenteeism and presenteeism. This dual approach could lead to substantial savings, improved productivity, and better employee wellbeing. 

 

Investing in employee health through preventative measures like physiotherapy is not just about reducing costs. It's about creating a healthier, more productive workforce. 

 

For us, the answer is clear: if employers prioritise early intervention for pain management, they'll not only improve their people's lives but also reduce their overall spend. 

 

All for the cost of a physiotherapist appointment. 

 

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Skovlund, S.V., Bláfoss, R., Calatayud, J., López-Bueno, R., Sundstrup, E. and Andersen, L.L., 2023. Musculoskeletal pain intensity and risk of long-term sickness absence in the general working population: A prospective cohort study with register follow-up. Preventive Medicine, 170, p.107435.