UK employees were off sick for nearly two full working weeks – 9.4 days – on average in the last 12 months. This marks a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic levels (5.8 days), and 7.8 days in 2023 when the same survey was last carried out.

This key finding, from a survey of over 1,100 employers, suggests an urgent need for organisations to proactively address workforce health. This includes understanding the impact ill health – both mental and physical – can have on individuals, and creating cultures where people feel genuinely supported in the management of their health at work.

The CIPD’s Health and Wellbeing at Work report 2025, supported by Simplyhealth, found that absence levels have risen as more working adults face long-term health conditions. This is also reflected in the government’s Keep Britain Working review, which reported that around 8.7m people are now living with a work-limiting condition.

When asked about the top three causes of long-term absence (four weeks or more) in their organisation, the most common responses from employers were: mental ill health, such as depression or anxiety (41%); musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain (31%); and other long-term health conditions, such as cancer (30%).

Short-term absences (up to four weeks) were typically caused by minor illnesses, such as colds/flu (78%), mental ill health, such as depression or anxiety (29%), and stress, and caring responsibilities for children (both 26%).

To reduce sickness absence, the report urges employers to take a proactive approach to managing health risks at work, ensure that jobs do not contribute to poor health, and provide effective support for employees with long-term conditions.

Rachel Suff, senior wellbeing adviser at the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said: “It's really important for individuals, organisations and society that employers take a proactive approach to support people managing health conditions while working. The longer someone is off, the more they might struggle to return. Long or repeated periods of sickness absence can make it difficult for organisations to plan their work, and unplanned absences can also place additional strain on colleagues.”

“As people are working and living longer, employers need to create workplaces that are supportive and help staff manage their health. Changes, like flexible hours and adjustments to workload, can often make a big difference to help prevent ill health from worsening and absence.”

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