Stressed workers lie about absence

News Article - 13 November 2010
Category: Business

A recent study reveals millions of British workers taking sick leave due to stress feel forced to lie to bosses about the real reason for their absence.

The study, conducted by mental health charity Mind, revealed that 19 per cent have called in sick due to stress. Yet 93 per cent have lied about the real reason for their absence, citing a variety of excuses including stomach upsets, back pain and the illness of a spouse.

Few employees want to lie but feel compelled to do so. Seventy per cent want to discuss stress with managers, and one third wish bosses would approach them directly if they show signs of stress. The majority of employees (62 per cent) also feel that bosses are not doing enough to ensure the workplace wellbeing of staff. 

With one in five workers (21 per cent) physically ill as a result of stress, and one in 10 driven to counselling, the issue is certainly one that employers need to address. Those that ignore the problem are putting profits at risk; previous estimates suggest UK businesses are losing £8.4bn a year through sick days caused by mental health issues. 

High-pressure environments, where stress is more common, require greater leadership efforts from managers. Taking more time with employees can seem like an extra burden on leaders, who have personal targets and heavy responsibilities, but providing this support can result in higher productivity and company performance in the long run as absence and stress is reduced. With 16.7 per cent of all working individuals in 2009 considering their job as stressful or very stressful, the issue is clearly a pertinent one.

Access business software can help companies gain the time necessary for managers to build personal relationships with staff. By automating common administrative processes and inter-department communication, managers can spend newly created time on talking directly to employees and more effectively understanding their needs. 

Businesses must also take steps to ensure company culture is healthy and open; without an encouraging and supportive culture bosses will find it difficult to improve the employee-employer relationship even with the time efficiencies delivered by software. 

For more information on Access business software, please call us on 0845 345 3300.

Article keywords: mental health, Mind, stress, mental health issues, employee absence, employee productivity, Access business software, HR software

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