The findings from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and
Development (CIPD) and Active Health Partners were based on the
absence records of 30,000 employees working across 40 different
organisations.
The number one cause of time lost due to sickness absence is
musculoskeletal conditions. But CIPD found that employees take on
average 21 days for each mental health-related sickness absence
spell. The average length of time off for an employee suffering
depression is 30 days.
CIPD Employee Relations Adviser Ben Willmott said: "This
research shows how important it is for managers and HR
practitioners to be aware of the signs of mental ill health so that
they can take action early and provide support before the
individual's condition deteriorates to the point they go off on
long-term sick leave."
The organisation is also calling for the Government to help and
encourage more employers to provide their staff with access to
cost-effective occupational health services.
"We would like to see tax incentives introduced to encourage
more employers to offer occupational health services to employees,
as well as further Government investment in the development and
extension of services such as NHS Plus and Workplace Health
Connect," said Willmott.
"Just as crucially GPs need to work more closely with employers
to identify opportunities for phased return-to-work for individuals
with mental health problems in less demanding or reduced hours'
roles as part of their rehabilitation. Otherwise more employees
with mental health problems will fall out of employment altogether
and add to the incapacity benefit claimants," he said.
The report, New directions in managing employee
absence, is available to buy from CIPD's bookstore.
