Some time ago, we came across an article that suggested it is sometimes better not to have an absence policy. The subject of criticism was strict attendance policies, which were said to breed discontent. They can also be counter-productive to employee engagement among other things.

A study some years ago by researchers at the University of Nottingham reported that smokers are 33% more likely to miss work than non-smokers and this trend has led to smokers missing, on average, 2.7 working days more per year than non-smokers.

Although there is a general consensus that a healthy workforce is beneficial for both employees and employers in a variety of ways. A recent study by Bupa has revealed that employers are ignoring opportunities to improve and sustain the wellbeing and health of their workforces.