A States report has laid bare the scale of work related sickness in Guernsey.
The Work & Wellbeing Strategy sets out a plan for the next five years so the States and the community can work together to improve the health and wellbeing of Guernsey and Alderney’s workforce.
The report, published earlier this month, highlights a lack of employer preparedness for sickness, a prevalence of health issues amongst islanders, as well as some worrying figures on potential demographic changes, and some statistics surrounding workplace sickness and leave.
The data
Among the data contained in the Work & Wellbeing Report, is the fact that around 30% of all Social Security sickness claims are mental health related.
48.6% of survey respondents in work or education said work ‘often or always caused them stress or anxiety’.
More than a third of respondents said they have a longstanding illness, disability, or infirmity, nearly a fifth have a health concern they haven’t seen a GP about, and nearly 60% said that cost had not stopped them using any of a list of health services.
The report also found that there’s a lack of employer preparedness with 40% not tracking absences, 39% don’t have return-to-work discussions, and 31% don’t have sickness absence policies.
The primary reasons for sickness claims alongside mental health issues are musculoskeletal problems, (both at 30%), and the report highlights the importance of addressing both physical and mental wellbeing workplace health challenges.
The report also covers an issue that’s been at the centre of debates over pensions, the minimum wage, and plans for migration, with both Guernsey and Alderney also facing a continuing decline in the working-age population.
That’s due to low birth rates and an aging population, which will put a combined pressure on the workforce and the economy.
The Work & Wellbeing report projects a cumulative reduction in the workforce of 4.1% by 2033 and 8.5% by 2043.
What’s next
The aim of the Work & Wellbeing Strategy is promote and maintain a culture of good health and wellbeing in Guernsey’s workplaces, focusing on attempts at prevention paired with early intervention to support those with illness, injury, or disability, in staying or returning to work.
Employment and Social Security wants to enhance preventative support to reduce sickness absence, and to support those who have lost their jobs due to health conditions so they can become work-ready.
As well as reducing the duration and number of long-term sickness benefit claims, it also looks at how to update legislation to improve access to any return-to-work support.
Deputy Peter Roffey, President of the Committee for Employment & Social Security, said there is more employers can do.
“Our workplaces play a pivotal role in shaping not just the economic success of our islands, but also our collective health and wellbeing. And in turn, our health and wellbeing have a significant impact on our work and productivity.”
Deputy Roffey continued: “A healthy workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy and must be seen as a long-term investment in our future.
“Through this Strategy, we are transforming the way we approach work rehabilitation for people who have a health condition – by shifting the narrative to focus on what people can do rather than what they can’t.”
ESS aims to do this through the three ‘Pillars’ of its strategy, incorporating a specialised programme.
The first of these pillars is ‘Community Awareness’, which means engaging with various groups, (medical professionals, employers, employees, etc), to help increase understanding of the link between health and work, and to promote everyone’s role in supporting the Strategy.
The second pillar is built on priority on prevention and early intervention, looking at proactive measures to help identify and address health issues early on. The goal is to improve outcomes and boost workforce participation, rather than relying on treatment after problems have become more severe.
Lastly ESS has highlighted ‘Effective Services’ as the third pillar is about enhancing occupational health and wellbeing services to ensure they meet future needs, and to provide the best possible support.
Mark Gannon, the Service Lead for Benefits & Work Support for Social Security, stressed the benefits of the strategy for those looking to get back to work.
“This Strategy recognises the value of our workforce. We know there are lots of good practice and initiatives happening in our workplaces, but some employers may not have the support they need.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work across government, employers, and the community to help create a diverse, inclusive, and healthier workforce.”
Meanwhile the Supporting Occupational Health & Wellbeing (SOHWELL) Programme is the practical means by which the Strategy’s goals will be achieved.
Earlier phases of SOHWELL focused on quick, short-term improvements, whilst the current phase, (phase 3), aims to be aligned with the Strategy’s three pillars and includes actions designed to meet the Strategy’s overall aim.
Dr Bob Gallagher, the Medical Adviser to the Committee for Employment & Social Security, stressed the early evidence showing potential success from SOHWELL.
“Not being in work can have a negative effect on our health so, in most cases, it’s important that patients see a return to work as part of their recovery.
Dr Gallagher continued: “Within primary care I’m hearing positive stories about how the SOHWELL Programme is supporting recovery by facilitating a return to work. This Strategy is an extension to that.”