Logistics Industry Sees Huge Increase In Sickness rates

According to data from global absence management provider Edays, the logistics and delivery industry has seen an increase of 139 per cent in sickness rates, compared to the global average throughout August.

The news comes as retail bosses warn of shortages in the lead up to Christmas following the shortfall of around 100,000 drivers in the UK, which has affected hospitality firms. The highest peaks for sickness absence fell on 3, 4, and 5 August, according to The HR Director.

The perfect storm of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the logistics and delivery industry in chaos, and the spikes in sickness have proven to be a knock-on effect from the pressures on the workforce.

Staff resourcing issues only magnify these challenges and the impacts they have on staff wellbeing as well as business productivity in the long term.

Matt Jenkins, the CEO of Edays, commented: “Unfortunately, it isn’t all that surprising to see skyrocketing sickness rates in the industries which have seen particularly high pressure working environments recently.”

He explained that the pressure to perform when workloads are much higher than normal can leave workers feeling burnt out, and with warnings being issued over a challenging winter ahead, the data from Edays should prompt employers to recognise the importance of a well-supported workforce.

The property industry also saw a 52 per cent spike in sickness in August, with huge pressures being placed on workers during frenetic market activity and the ending of the stamp duty holiday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen increased levels of burnout across all industries, and Edays is pre-warning businesses that spiking sickness rates in highly pressured and understaffed industries are early signs of widespread and long-term burnout issues across the workforce.

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