Absenteeism is rising – here's how business health plans can help stop it before it starts

£138 billion¹.
That’s what poor employee health cost UK businesses last year – and a large part of that came from one issue employers often underestimate: absenteeism.

Absences due to stress, long-term illness, and minor ailments that escalate without treatment are more than just HR admin headaches, they’re signs that the system isn’t working.

But with the right health plan in place, many of these issues can be identified earlier, treated faster, and even prevented altogether. That’s where today’s business health plans come in, designed not just for treatment, but for prevention.

What is absenteeism?

Absenteeism isn’t just about the occasional sick day. It refers to frequent or prolonged unplanned absences, often linked to underlying health concerns, burnout, or a lack of support at work.

And when left unchecked, it starts to affect more than just the individual.

Every unplanned absence has a ripple effect:
Deadlines slip.
Workloads increase.
Team morale suffers.

But the real problem runs deeper.

When someone is off sick, the cause is often a mix of long-standing health issues, delayed care, and stress that’s been quietly building. Physical conditions like back pain or fatigue worsen when support is slow. Mental health concerns might go unnoticed until they result in time off.

And with NHS waiting times still high, employees often feel stuck, unable to get help early enough to stay well and in work.

The cost to businesses is growing

Recent research paints a clear picture:

• Poor health at work cost the UK economy £138 billion in 2023 – up from £81 billion just two years earlier (Vitality, 2024).
• 79% of organisations are concerned about rising absence rates (CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Report, 2023).

It’s not just a wellbeing issue, it’s a business risk. And one that directly impacts productivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

How modern health plans help prevent absence

While traditional health plans were designed to reimburse costs after illness, modern business health plans are evolving.

They now focus on:

• Catching issues early
• Reducing delays in treatment
• Empowering employees to manage their health proactively

This shift might include:

• 24/7 access to a GP by phone or video - so advice is available before symptoms worsen
• Mental health services like counselling or therapy - accessed directly, with no referral delay
• Digital tools like physiotherapy apps or remote dentistry - flagging problems before they escalate

Together, these features help prevent small issues from turning into long-term absences.

Why early support matters

The earlier someone gets the help they need, the more likely they are to recover quickly and stay in work. But beyond that, early intervention builds trust. It shows employees that support is available before things go wrong.

And for employers, it makes financial sense.
Just one avoided long-term absence could offset the cost of a comprehensive health plan, especially one that sits between a basic cash plan and expensive PMI.

A small change that makes a big difference

Absenteeism doesn’t need to be accepted as a cost of doing business.

With the right health and wellbeing strategy, supported by a prevention-first health plan, businesses can help employees stay well, stay supported, and stay present.

Business health plans are no longer just a benefit.
They’re a strategic tool to reduce absence, protect wellbeing, and strengthen business resilience.

Want to see how a prevention-focused plan could support your business?
Explore our Health & Wellbeing Plan.

Sources:

1. Vitality UK Health at Work Report 2024
   https://www.vitality.co.uk/business/health-insurance/workplace-wellbeing-report/
2. CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work 2023
   https://www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/reports/health-wellbeing-work/