Sickness absence is a challenge every business faces, but its true cost is often underestimated.
Not only do employers need to look at the number of sick days recorded, they also need to consider hidden costs like reduced productivity, presenteeism (when employees come to work while unwell), overtime, temporary cover, and even lower staff morale, which often outweigh the obvious figures.
One of the most common seasonal causes of absence is flu and an effective and affordable way to protect it is to introduce a corporate flu voucher scheme.
Companies like FluClinic2You make it easy for employees to get vaccinated, employers can cut absenteeism, reduce disruption and demonstrate a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing.
The Cost of Sickness to UK Employers
Statistics show just how significant the cost of sickness is for UK businesses:
- In 2022, UK workers took 185.6 million days of sickness absence, the highest figure in over a decade. The estimated cost to the economy was around £56 billion in lost output.
- A 2024 report found that workplace sickness, including both absenteeism and presenteeism, costs the UK economy over £100 billion annually.
- On average, employees are absent due to illness for around 6.4 days per year, with short-term sickness being the most common cause.
- Research shows that workplace flu vaccination programmes can save employers around £87 per employee, per year, when factoring in reduced absence and associated costs.
For most businesses, these figures highlight a pressing issue: every unplanned absence has a knock on effect leading to decreased productivity, missed deadlines, increased workloads for colleagues, and potential damage to client relationships.
Why Flu Should Be on the Employer’s Radar?
While sickness absence has many causes, seasonal influenza is one of the most preventable. Each winter, flu spreads rapidly through workplaces, leading to multiple employees being absent at the same time.
The impact can be significant:
- Flu spreads quickly: One infected employee can pass it on to others, creating clusters of absences.
- Recovery takes time: Unlike a cold, the flu can keep staff away for a week or more, with lingering fatigue affecting productivity even after returning.
- Vulnerable employees at risk: Flu can lead to serious complications in those with underlying health conditions, causing longer-term absence.
According to UK Government data, the flu vaccine prevented between 96,000 and 120,200 hospitalisations in England during the last flu season, highlighting just how effective a vaccination programme can be.
The Hidden Costs Employers Often Overlook
When calculating the cost of sickness, many employers only measure salary paid during absence. But the hidden costs are far greater:
- Presenteeism: Staff who come to work unwell are less productive, more likely to make mistakes, and risk infecting colleagues.
- Temporary cover & overtime: Businesses often have to pay extra to keep operations running smoothly when staff are absent.
- Lower morale: Employees who have to pick up the slack for absent colleagues may experience frustration, burnout, or disengagement.
- Turnover costs: High sickness rates contribute to dissatisfaction and can increase staff turnover, which can mean further recruitment and training costs add up quickly.
Investing in preventive measures such as flu vaccination helps reduce both visible and hidden costs, making it a strategic decision rather than a simple “perk.”
Why Flu Voucher Schemes Work for Employers?
Corporate flu vouchers provide a flexible, convenient alternative to on-site vaccination clinics:
- Easy distribution: Employers purchase vouchers in bulk and distribute them to staff.
- Flexibility for employees: Staff can redeem vouchers at a participating pharmacy of their choice, at a time that suits them.
- Ideal for hybrid or remote teams: Vouchers ensure that staff working in different locations still have access to protection.
- Higher uptake: Employees are more likely to get vaccinated when it’s simple and convenient.
For employers, the benefits are clear: reduced absenteeism, a healthier workforce, improved productivity, and a tangible demonstration that staff wellbeing is taken seriously.
Flu Protection as a Staff Attraction and Retention Tool
Today, employees increasingly value workplaces that prioritise health and wellbeing. Offering a flu voucher scheme signals that an employer is proactive and supportive which can enhance:
- Employer brand – standing out in recruitment by showcasing a strong benefits package.
- Employee loyalty – staff who feel cared for are less likely to look elsewhere.
- Engagement and morale – healthier employees are more motivated and committed.
In particular, for industries with skills shortages, small benefits like flu vouchers can make a big difference in attracting and retaining talent.
Making the Business Case for Flu Protection
When considering costs, flu vouchers are inexpensive compared to the impact of even a few days of lost productivity. For example:
- If each employee loses an average of 0.33 workdays annually due to flu, then in a company of 200 staff that’s 66 lost days.
- At an average cost of £150–£250 per lost working day (when factoring in wages, lost output, and cover costs), that equates to £9,900–£16,500 in losses annually.
- Flu vouchers typically cost less than a single day’s lost productivity, making the ROI compelling.
Conclusion: Prevention is Better Than Cure
The hidden costs of sickness, from reduced productivity to staff turnover, are far too significant to ignore. By taking a proactive approach with flu protection, employers can reduce absence, safeguard productivity and boost staff morale.
A flu voucher scheme is simple, flexible and cost-effective. Most importantly, it shows employees that their health and wellbeing truly matter.
Melisa Marzett
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