15% of workers off sick daily

HITS PRODUCTIVITY: ABSENTEEISM COSTS RISBN ANNUALLY OCCUPATIONAL CARE SA

- Ina Opperman

Corporate wellness programmes needed as many don’t have medical aid.

Sick days are costing the economy an estimated R19 billion every year, which is equal to about 15% of employees being absent on any given day.

The economy is already struggling and this is an extra roadblock to growing the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

According to Occupational Care South Africa, absenteeism costs the economy around R12 to R16 billion per year, but the Human Capital Review estimates it is even higher, at R19.144 billion.

With this equating to the absence of 15% of employees in a day, it is clear that productivity is affected and that is why Dr Themba Hadebe, clinical executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, said employee health and productivity go handin-hand.

"A holistic approach to corporate wellness, including physical and mental health, creates a more motivated, creative and productive workforce.

"Given the percentage of absenteeism in South Africa every day, a robust, risk-based corporate wellness programme is imperative."