The latest Australian Work Outlook Report from AHRI* has revealed that Australian workers took an average of six days of unscheduled absences in the last financial year. This may not sound like much on face value, but beneath the surface there’s lots of consider.
Firstly, this figure is up from the previous financial year, which included considerable disruption caused by COVID-19.
Secondly, it isn’t just about the numbers, it’s also about the reasons. Sure, we’re all allowed to take a sick day when we need to, but there are many other reasons why we might step away from work. The most common reasons include:
- home responsibilities
- minor illnesses
- COVID-19
- long-term health conditions
- mental health conditions
- stress
While health concerns are high on the list, stress continues to be a consistent reason for absences in Australian workplaces. It’s also a common thread amongst a lot of different employee wellness research and statistics, one Money101 has reported on many times. The main culprits appear to be cost-of-living pressures, poor work-life balance and excessive workloads.
What’s the solution?
While employers can’t necessarily solve cost-of-living pressures for their workers, there are ways they can help them in other areas. It's interesting to consider that AHRI’s report indicates a growing support from employers about 'right to disconnect' policies in workplaces; meaning employees would have a legal right to completely disengage from work-related communications outside work hours. 45% of employers report that a formal policy is necessary within their organisation and around 41% already one in place.
One effective measure employers could take to reduce stress and consequent unscheduled absences is to give employees access to employee assistance and wellbeing programs. Employee wellbeing programs have been proven to increase workplace productivity, employee engagement and morale, among a host of other benefits – physical, mental, financial and more.
Financial wellbeing programs provide education and tools for employees to make more informed, confident decisions about their own finances. The skills they learn not only stay with them, but benefit their families and the next generation.
*AHRI, ‘AHRI Quarterly Australian Work Outlook’, December Quarter 2023
