Property Firms See Rise in Sick Leave – Research conducted by Access PeopleHR
Property firms see rise in sick leave – research
Businesses in the real estate sector have experienced a significant increase in sick leave over the past year, according to new research. The Sick Leave Report 2024, conducted by HR systems specialist Access PeopleHR, analyzed data from 1,700 businesses and found that the average UK firm reported 128 days of sick leave in 2023, up 6% from 2022 and a staggering 55% increase since 2019.
In particular, the real estate sector, including estate agencies, saw a 67% surge in sick leave days, rising from 57 days in 2022 to 95 days in 2023. One possible factor contributing to this rise is the increase in face-to-face interaction between real estate agents and customers, as virtual viewings were more common in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic.
The report also highlighted that employees who are more customer-facing and less office-based are likely to experience a greater growth in sickness absence, as they may have fewer opportunities to work remotely.
Charles Butterworth, managing director of the people division at The Access Group, emphasized the importance of a strong HR strategy in reducing sick leave. He suggested implementing clear policies and procedures, offering support to employees taking excessive sick days, and utilizing HR software for better absence management.
The uptick in sick leave in the real estate industry could be attributed to various factors, including increased burnout and long-term sickness as more employees returned to office-based work in 2023. The report noted that industries less likely to work remotely, such as arts, real estate, and retail, reported the highest growth in sick leave.
Regardless of the causes, Butterworth stressed the importance of businesses monitoring sick leave patterns, taking proactive measures, and considering attendance reviews when necessary. By addressing these issues effectively, companies in the real estate sector can better manage employee health and well-being.
