Quarter of UK workplaces cite stress as cause of short-term absence

A quarter of UK workplaces cite stress as cause of short-term absence, according to new analysis by Simplyhealth and the CIPD.  The findings, drawn from the Health and wellbeing at work 2025 report, show 26 per cent of organisations report stress as a cause of short-term absence in their top three causes. Almost two-thirds of HR professionals (64 per cent) said their organisation had seen stress-related absence in the past year. 

Heavy workloads were the most common cause of stress (41 per cent), followed by personal health issues (37 per cent) and family or relationship pressures (34 per cent). 

The insights coincide with the publication of the government’s Keep Britain Working review, which calls for a “rehumanisation of the workplace”, warning that while employment can support mental wellbeing, it can also cause harm when work pressure is unmanaged. 

The review highlighted a sharp rise in young adults reporting long-term sickness due to mental health conditions. The number of 16–34-year-olds who are economically inactive for this reason increased by 76 per cent between 2019 and 2024. 

Most organisations (64 per cent) say they are taking steps to identify or reduce stress, but only half (50 per cent) believe their efforts are working. Simplyhealth – a health cash plan provider – is urging employers to take more practical action during Stress Awareness Month to reduce pressure and make it easier for employees to speak up. 

Dr Louise Rix, head of clinical product and operations at Simplyhealth, said employers must create conditions that encourage openness.

“None of us are superhuman and sometimes life gets on top of us. Creating comfortable environments at work is an important first step towards breaking down barriers that prevent workers from flagging that they are having a tough time.” 

She added that regular check-ins and informal contact can help employees feel supported and able to raise concerns early. 

The economic impact of stress-related absence remains significant. Research from Fair4All Finance suggests that reducing stress-related absence could add £5.9bn to the UK economy. Wider sickness absence costs are estimated at £150bn a year. 

Simplyhealth chief executive, Paul Schreier, said employers play a central role in reversing rising absence trends:

“Workplace absence costs the economy billions each year. “Employers are crucial partners in meeting the government’s mission to reduce absenteeism and relieve pressure on the NHS.” 

He added that while progress has been made – with 57 per cent of organisations now having a wellbeing strategy, up from 44 per cent five years ago – more action is needed to tackle mental health-related absence. 

Simplyhealth says easier access to healthcare, including 24/7 GP services and mental health support, can help prevent stress from escalating and keep people in work. Plans that avoid referral delays and cover pre-existing conditions are described as central to improving early access to care. 

The research is based on a survey of 1,101 HR professionals carried out by YouGov between March and April 2025, weighted to be representative of UK employers.