Absence from work

Most absence from work is attributed to illness, and dealing with it can be a challenge in different ways, for the individual, their employing organisation and their doctors. It is a major public health concern and a significant financial burden on the economy. This paper discusses the individual, organisational and bio-psychosocial factors which underpin sickness absence (SA) behaviour. Despite health being a relatively unimportant factor in the causation of SA, SA can lead to job loss which in itself increases the risk of an earlier death. The evidence-based recommendations for managing and reducing SA through better recording and reporting, early intervention and provision of support to the employee are discussed. SA is reducible and manageable through a combination of support for the individual, which may not only be medical, but also through policies which address health, social and environmental factors and can lead to long-term benefits for the individual and society.