Surge in Workplace Sick Days: A Decade’s Progress Unwound by COVID-19

13th November 2023

Nigel Holland
Nigel Holland

“The average worker took 7.8 sick days in the past year, up from 5.8 pre-pandemic, posing challenges for employers. Long Covid and lingering pandemic effects still impact the workforce.“

Quotation by Nigel Holland.

  1. Average sick days per worker increased from 5.8 to 7.8 in the past year.
  2. Public sector employees took an average of 10.6 sick days.
  3. Long Covid and pandemic-related issues affect half of all employers.
  4. Minor illnesses and musculoskeletal injuries are top short-term sick day causes.
  5. Mental ill health remains a major cause of long-term sickness.