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The research Includes interesting evidence on presenteeism, and Long Covid and includes a concise guide outlining how HR practitioners can support employees’ physical and mental health as we emerge from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key findings of the research include;
- Working when ill (presenteeism) remains prevalent and is even higher for those working from home (81% versus 65% among those in a workplace). However, 52% of HR respondents are taking steps to address this trend and investigate potential causes.
- Just under half (46%) have employees who have experienced – or are experiencing – long COVID. Long COVID is now a major cause of long-term absence.
- New or better support is starting to be available for people working from home. Just under three-quarters of organisations (72%) are providing new or better support for people working from home. For example, nearly half (47%) are encouraging more responsible use of digital technologies, acknowledging that regular movement breaks and time away from screens are essential for health and wellbeing.
- There is less management focus on health and wellbeing compared with the first year of the pandemic. Seven in ten (70%) of HR respondents agree that employee wellbeing is on senior leaders’ agendas (down from 75% last year) and 60% believe that line managers have bought into the importance of wellbeing (down from 67% last year).
Pat Harrington, General Secretary of Solidarity, commented: “This latest research shows just how much work still needs to be done in these vital areas of health and well-being. It’s why our union will continue to campaign in this area”