Almost a third (32%) of bosses report stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems as a reason staff give for sickness absence.
A YouGov survey, commissioned by workplace expert Acas, asked employers what the top 3 reasons employees give for being off sick from work.
Almost two-thirds (62%) said that workers report their absences as being due to minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds and the flu, while nearly a quarter (23%) said that the absences are due to headaches and migraines.
The poll was commissioned ahead of new changes to statutory sick pay that will take effect in a few weeks' time. This is due to new rules introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
From 6 April 2026, workers will be eligible for statutory sick pay for their first day of illness rather than the fourth day. Workers will also no longer need to earn a minimum amount to be eligible.
Acas Head of Inclusivity, Julie Dennis, said:
"Our findings reveal that 1 in 3 bosses report mental health problems as a key reason for staff absence. It is a surprising result, alongside the top reason for sickness being coughs, colds, flu and other minor illnesses.
"Bosses need to ensure that their work environments are healthy places to work, as well as prepare for the new rules on sick pay that will be coming in a few weeks' time.
"Workers should also look after their own health and wellbeing too. If they are experiencing stress, they should talk to their manager as soon as they can. Acas has good practice advice and training in this area."
Acas has good practice advice to help bosses manage sickness absence at work:
- providing training for managers on how to support employees through periods of illness can help with absence rates
- employers that offer flexible working can also help promote a healthy work environment and prevent high levels of sickness absence
- good mediation services at work can help resolve any issues that are sparking sickness absences amongst staff
- easily accessible illness and absence policies will make it clear what's expected of both employers and workers if someone needs time off work
Acas has updated it's advice on sick pay to reflect the new changes in the law from the Employment Right Act 2025 that will apply from 6 April. It also explains how they compare to the current rules.
Acas also has training courses for employers on managing absence.
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Background notes
Acas commissioned YouGov to poll senior decision makers in a representative sample of British businesses. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 1,011 decision makers. Fieldwork was undertaken between 2 February to 9 February 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of British business size and region.
Participants were asked: What are the top 3 reasons employees give for being off sick from work in your organisation? The results were:
- Back pain: 19%
- Neck and upper limb problems (for example arthritis in hand joints, stiff next): 6%
- Other musculoskeletal problems: 5%
- Stress, depression, anxiety, and other common mental health problems: 32%
- Manic depression, schizophrenia, and other severe mental health problems: 3%
- Minor illnesses: coughs, colds and flu; sickness, nausea and diarrhoea: 62%
- Other respiratory conditions (for example asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchitis, pneumonia): 5%
- Other gastrointestinal problems (for example irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), piles, bowel cancer, stomach ulcer): 9%
- Headaches and migraines: 23%
- Pregnancy problems: 8%
- Genito-urinary; to include urine infections and menstrual problems: 3%
- Heart, blood pressure and circulation problems: 5%
- Eye, ear, nose and mouth or dental; to include sinusitis and toothache: 7%
- Diabetes: 1%
- Other (accidents, poisonings, infectious diseases, skin disorders and anything else not covered above): 10%
- Don't know: 15%
Prefer not to say: 3%
- Acas is the leading authority on workplace relations and dispute resolution in Great Britain. We provide free, impartial advice to employers and employees on workplace rights, rules and best practice. We also provide training and tailored support for businesses that can help them succeed. Acas is a non-departmental public body that is governed by an independent Council made up of employers, employee representatives and independent members.