LONDON, January 28, 2026 – Employee absence is becoming an increasingly significant challenge for UK employers, according to the latest Absence Management Survey by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW). More than half of organisations (55%) report experiencing difficulties due to the rising costs associated with absence or disability.
Mental health continues to be the leading cause of concern for employers when it comes to employee absence. However, musculoskeletal and other chronic conditions are growing in importance, with 63% of organisations identifying them as a key issue in 2025, up from 51% in 2023. Reflecting this trend, more than half of employers (55%) report an increase in long-term absence and disability.
In response, organisations are seeking to better align absence management with their broader HR strategies. More than half (57%) plan to integrate absence management more closely with pay, benefits and wellbeing over the next two years, while almost half (46%) will prioritise enhancing wellbeing support.
With absence-related expenses continuing to rise, many employers are also focusing on managing costs more effectively. Over half (55%) plan to renegotiate terms or switch to better-value benefit providers, while 51% intend to enhance claims reporting by analysing trends as a key step in improving absence management. The use of condition-specific care pathways is also expected to increase.
Charlotte Steventon-Kiy, Absence Management Lead, said: “The rising number of days lost to absence and long-term ill-health is increasing cost pressures and operational challenges for employers. Many are facing significant barriers, including inconsistent policy implementation and ineffective programmes.”
