A fifth of firms think work-related stress increases absence.

Stress and stress-inducing situations are the main causes of short-term absences, according to research from Group Risk Development (GRiD), the industry body for the group protection sector. Home and family issues account for 20% of short-term absences; dealing with childcare issues 17%; and dealing with eldercare issues 10%. 

Whereas acute medical conditions and musculoskeletal conditions both account for 15% of short-term absence, stress and stress-inducing situations compound as the main reason why employees are unable to go to work, the survey found.

Moreover, companies that believe their absence is higher than the average for their industry also cited stress as a major reason.

The survey of 500 HR managers found 27% believe work-related stress contributes to a higher-than-average absence.

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