New figures suggest the number of sick leave days taken by UK workers is at its highest level in 15 years. Does this mean we're in poorer health and, if so, what's keeping us away from the workplace? A couple of years ago, COVID would have been the obvious culprit, but is it still to blame? And what can we do to keep people working? Well, the devil's in the data - if you know where to look...
ARE WE REALLY TAKING MORE SICK DAYS?
The worrying new numbers originate from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), an independent, non-profit, human resources organisation that has been reporting on sickness at work for more than 23 years.
Figures from its latest report were collected from the human resources departments of 918 organisations and cover a total of 6.5 million UK workers. They show that the average employee took just under eight days of sick leave in the past year - two more than in the pre-pandemic year 2019 and more than in any year since 2008.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS), however, puts the average number of sick days at closer to six, drawing from telephone surveys of 100,000 people. But the ONS data also shows a sharp rise in sick leave compared to pre-pandemic years.
Esta historia es de la edición November 2023 de BBC Science Focus.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 2023 de BBC Science Focus.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON'T
Scientists around the world are working on ways to hide us from sight. But how close are we to developing tech that could make us invisible?
UNCORKED POTENTIAL
How much good can ditching drink for a month really do? Answer: a whole lot. In fact, science shows even short-term abstinence could unlock a cocktail of lasting benefits
Scientists discover when humans and dogs became friends
The relationship spans thousands of years, but experts might have pinpointed the first connection
Why it's so hard to kick a gambling addiction
We now know that gambling can be as addictive as drugs, but there are factors that can make it even harder to quit
How much could Ozempic change our world?
The weight-loss drug has made headlines and broken sales records, but what does it mean for our future?
WHY DOES DRINKING ALCOHOL MAKE IT SO MUCH HARDER TO LOSE WEIGHT?
While enjoying the occasional glass of wine or pint of beer may seem harmless, regular or excessive alcohol consumption can significantly hinder your weight-loss journey for a few reasons:
Why do so many New Year's resolutions fail?
Establishing positive new habits is hard at any time of year. But there are ways to stop your attempts ending in failure
'Extreme' solar radiation storm could hit Earth
Sun-like stars may have tantrums far more frequently than we thought
HOW CAN I BANISH THE JANUARY BLUES?
Dark mornings, long chilly evenings and short days; many people find January tough.
Neutrinos are getting in the way of dark matter detection
These troublesome particles are difficult to detect, but they're starting to show up in places where they're not wanted
