Workplace sickness costs UK firms 103bn a year as Bupa partners with GoJoe

"UK businesses are losing an estimated £103bn a year to workplace sickness, a rise of 41% in just five years, according to new research. The analysis highlights that £25bn of the cost comes from presenteeism - employees turning up to work despite being unwell, leading to reduced productivity. Data shows a clear link between employee health and output: 93% of staff in good physical and mental health are productive, compared with just 67% of those with poorer wellbeing."

"On average, UK employees lose the equivalent of 44 days' productivity each year by working while ill. Presenteeism doesn't just damage company performance; it can sap team morale and stall business growth. Experts warn that many employees feel pressured to work through illness or take on excessive hours, pointing to the need for cultural and policy changes. Employers are being encouraged to monitor not only absenteeism but also signs of presenteeism - with regular catch-ups and wellbeing surveys recommended as ways to spot struggling employees."

"As part of a preventative health strategy, Bupa has partnered with GoJoe, the global health and performance platform, to help its business health insurance customers improve staff wellbeing. Early results suggest GoJoe users experience a 60% boost in workplace productivity and a 70% uplift in wellbeing within just two weeks. The app encourages healthier lifestyles through fitness, nutrition and wellbeing challenges, fostering better cognitive performance and resilience."

Workplace sickness costs UK businesses an estimated £103bn annually, a 41% increase over five years, with £25bn attributed to presenteeism. Employees in good physical and mental health are far more productive (93%) than those with poorer wellbeing (67%). Working while ill costs the equivalent of 44 days' productivity per employee each year and undermines morale and growth. Experts call for cultural and policy changes and for employers to monitor presenteeism through regular catch-ups and wellbeing surveys. Bupa's partnership with GoJoe aims to prevent ill-health, with early results showing large uplifts in productivity and wellbeing.

Read at Business Matters