Author: Sam Allcock

The Welsh Government’s February update highlights concerning sickness absence rates within the NHS in Wales.A rise in overall sickness absence to 5.5% is reported, contrasting with the lower 4% rate in the police force.Public Health Wales NHS Trust achieves the lowest sickness absence rate at 3.3%, without additional measures.Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust faces the highest absence rates, with 9.2% among ambulance staff.Stress-related absences among ambulance staff are predominant, linked to workload and care targets.The latest update from the Welsh Government reveals a troubling increase in sickness absence rates in the NHS across Wales, with the overall figure rising to…

Bereavement is an inevitable part of life, affecting everyone at some point, yet it remains a challenging issue within workplaces, often seen as a ‘taboo’ topic. Recent guidelines aim to support employers in managing bereavement leave more effectively.Many employers lack a formal policy for bereavement leave, making it crucial to seek guidance from organisations like ACAS.Legislation provides for unpaid leave for dependants, yet many employers offer paid special leave, highlighting the importance of clear policies.Experts advocate for compassionate leave policies to aid employee recovery and ease managerial duties during sensitive times.New ACAS guidelines offer best practices for managing bereavement, with…

The 2015 survey by Activ Absence reveals customer satisfaction and valuable feedback.100% of users reported significant improvement in absence management.Customers praised the intuitive and user-friendly software interface.A prize draw was held for participants, adding an element of appreciation.Codel Software is committed to further enhancements based on user feedback.The Activ Absence Management Survey of 2015 demonstrates a high level of customer satisfaction, with all participants indicating that the software significantly enhanced their ability to manage absences effectively within their organisations. Users consistently reported improvements in their organisational operations as a direct result of the software.Several customers highlighted the software’s ease of…

Recent research sheds light on the alarming rate of workplace absences due to stress and depression in the UK.The British Heart Foundation reports that stress and depression account for 36% of all workplace absences.This equates to a loss of 80 million working days and £9 billion annually.Workplace stress exacerbates various health conditions, including respiratory diseases and coronary heart disease.Employers are encouraged to create a supportive work environment to mitigate these risks.Recent research highlights a concerning trend in workplace absences in the UK, with 36% attributed to stress and depression. This significant percentage translates into a staggering 80 million working days…

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) significantly impact workplace productivity and employee health, highlighting the essential role of line managers in managing these conditions.MSDs remain the leading cause of sickness absence in the UK, necessitating awareness and proactive measures from employers to mitigate productivity loss.Effective self-management of MSDs by employees is crucial, though often unsupported by workplace adjustments, despite legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.A supportive work environment and informed line managers can enhance employee wellbeing, reduce the burden of self-management, and improve work engagement.Education on MSDs is vital for both managers and employees to foster understanding, avoid stigma, and promote inclusive…

HR managers should anticipate increased absenteeism during major sporting events like the Six Nations.The 2015 Six Nations has already commenced, prompting a potential rise in employee sick days.Different companies adopt varied strategies to handle absenteeism stemming from such events.Evaluating the cost implications of absenteeism is crucial for businesses.Modern absence management systems offer significant advantages over traditional spreadsheet methods.With the arrival of the 2015 Six Nations, businesses are warned of the usual uptick in absenteeism linked to major sporting events. The opening match saw Wales and England in a competitive stand-off at the Millennium Stadium, marking the beginning of increased employee…