Firms must address presenteeism & ‘always on’ work culture

The UK’s CIPD has urged employers to address presenteeism, which has led to a worrying rise in stress and an ‘always on’ work culture.

Despite the sharp increase in homeworking and perceived flexibility benefits as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, more than three quarters (77%) of employers have observed ‘presenteeism’ – people working when unwell – in employees who are working from home over the last year, confirmed CIPD’s latest research. This is slightly higher than levels of presenteeism in employees attending the workplace (75%), confirmed the latest CIPD/Simplyhealth Health and Wellbeing at Work report. 

The research also found ’leaveism’ – working outside of contracted hours or using annual leave to work or when ill – is an issue; with 70% employers observing this unhealthy behaviour over the same period. While more firms are taking steps to address these issues compared with last year, over two-fifths experiencing presenteeism (43%) and leaveism (47%) aren’t taking any action. 

UNMANAGEABLE WORKLOADS & STRESS

The findings suggest that many organisations haven’t been taking effective action to combat the risks of an ‘always on’ culture. Boundaries between work and home life have become increasingly blurred for many people working from home; making it difficult for people to switch off. For those attending workplaces, presenteeism and leaveism are also very real issues of concern. 

The research also found that unmanageable workloads is by far the top cause of work-related stress (59%); which could contribute to presenteeism. It’s crucial for organisations to address any issues that could be creating a culture where staff feel they are expected to work when ill; or feel it’s the only way they can stay on top of their workload. Employers need to ensure that line managers are aware of the risks of presenteeism and being ‘always on’. Managers should assess individual and team workloads to make sure they are reasonable; set clear expectations about taking breaks; and act as good role models for healthy working practices, such as taking time off when sick. 

PREVENTATIVE APPROACH TO WELLBEING

“The Covid-19 pandemic has put a huge strain on employers and individuals. Employers should take a strategic and preventative approach to wellbeing in order to tackle work-related stress and unhealthy behaviour like presenteeism and leaveism. This must be role modelled by those in senior positions,” advised CIPD’s Senior Policy Adviser of Employment Relations, Rachel Suff. “They should also recognise the important role that line managers play in supporting individuals with their health and wellbeing. Managers should be equipped with the appropriate training, support and guidance needed to do this effectively.

“Our research shows many organisations have taken steps to improve their health and wellbeing support over the last year, particularly regarding mental health support. It’s important that employers don’t lose sight of the gains they have made in supporting people’s health and wellbeing as we move through the next stages of the pandemic and beyond. Increased support over the last year must not be viewed as a sticking plaster for the situation we are currently in. Instead, employers should view health and wellbeing as a business-critical issue and build on this support for the long-term.”

STEPS TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

According to the study, 82% of employers are concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on employees’ mental health; and most organisations are taking additional steps to improve employee health and wellbeing. The most common measures include an increased focus on mental health (84%) and more support tailored to individuals’ needs and concerns, such as flexible working (83%). 

 “As ways of working have changed for people everywhere, it’s reassuring to see more employers having a growing awareness and commitment to supporting employee health and wellbeing,” noted Angela Sherwood, Chief People Officer at Simplyhealth. “Most organisations are placing an increased focus on mental health and tailored individual support; especially for those now working from home. The CIPD/Simplyhealth report found that over half of organisations have increased employee wellbeing support or benefits in light of the pandemic; while just over a third are focusing more on providing virtual health services. As the health landscape continues to evolve rapidly, wellbeing strategies need to adapt to provide the holistic, relevant healthcare people need and deserve.”

Embracing a “preventive health model reaps rewards in building a resilient, productive workforce”, pointed out Sherwood. “Employers are well-placed to make a big difference here by driving positive behaviours such as regular health checks, taking breaks, nutritional advice and increased physical activity. Initiatives like EAPs, mental health first aid programmes and resilience workshops can also drive forward a robust, well-rounded approach that provides additional support to line managers; who in turn will then be better equipped to support their teams with their health and wellbeing.”

KEY WELLBEING AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

While there is a marked improvement in employers supporting employee health and wellbeing, the report identifies key areas for improvement. They include:

• Equip line managers with the right training, knowledge and skills to support people’s health effectively. Only 38% of organisations are providing more line management training to support employee wellbeing following Covid-19; and just 43% train managers to support people with mental ill health (down from 51% last year).
• Take a more strategic approach to enhance wellbeing, prevent ill health and support people when they become unwell. Only 50% of organisations take a strategic approach to wellbeing. 
• Increase investment in wellbeing. Just 26% report their allocated budget for wellbeing benefits has increased as a consequence of the pandemic.

Click here for more information about the research.

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