Aon reveals real reasons for employee absences

Ten per cent of UK workers have admitted to being unnecessarily absent on their last sick day off work, according to research from Aon Consulting.

More than 20 per cent cited stress, depression or being hungover as the real reason for their last day off.

Cambridge is the UK's 'sickest' city, with more than 20 per cent of workers admitting to having feigned illness or being too hungover to face work, according to the survey of 4,046 respondents from across the UK.

In contrast, the people of Portsmouth were the least likely (four per cent) to have ticked the hangover or 'sickie' box.

The figure was 10 per cent for Londoners.

The survey also revealed that colds and flu were the most common reason for absence (38 per cent), while 11 per cent of workers selected stress and/or depression and seven per cent cited fatigue.

Paul White, head of risk benefits at Aon Consulting, said: 'At this time of year, it is not surprising that many workers will be celebrating the end of a rollercoaster year, as they should.

'However, there is no need for employers to suffer as a result.

'Implementing a flexible-benefits programme where employees can buy and sell holiday could help employees better manage their time off from work and mean that 'sickies' are less common.

'Hangovers aside, tackling sickness absence is becoming more important to organisations seeking to manage their costs.

'It has been a difficult year and employers must be aware that they have a responsibility to care for their workers.

'Companies are quite rightly addressing cases of stress and depression and further Aon research shows that flu jabs and stress management are now the most popular wellness initiatives offered by companies.

'Organisations should clearly communicate the range of wellbeing benefits they provide for their staff and employees should start taking advantage of the many benefits offered by their employers,' White concluded.

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