Concern as sickness rates among West Lothian Council staff continues to rise

Sickness rates among West Lothian Council staff have raised concerns as the numbers continue to climb, according to a report by the Daily Record. The latest data revealed that nearly 20,000 days were lost between April and September due to mental health and behavioural reasons alone. This figure is more than double the time lost for the next highest category, which was musculoskeletal issues at 9,948 days, and accounts for almost a third of all absences during this period. The significant amount of 19,691 days lost has prompted the council’s Conservative group leader to question the need for change in addressing this issue.

During a meeting of West Lothian’s Corporate Policy and Resources Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP), Claire Wallace, the Interim HR Services Manager, acknowledged the national trend of rising sickness absences and highlighted efforts being made at corporate and service levels to address the issue. Wallace mentioned that the council provides support services such as an employee assistance programme and is reviewing its sickness absence policy through engagement and consultation processes in the hope of making a positive impact.

Personal stress was identified as a major factor contributing to the high levels of sickness absences, with care responsibilities being a significant stressor. To support staff with care duties, the council has implemented flexible working arrangements and introduced a stress audit tool to assess well-being. Additionally, initiatives in the people strategy aim to improve staff well-being, with an emphasis on mental health support and a holistic approach to well-being.

Councillor Damian Doran-Timson expressed his dissatisfaction with the continuous rise in sickness absences and stressed the importance of the council taking action to address the underlying reasons for the increasing rates. He highlighted the need for effective policies and interventions to reduce absences significantly. The breakdown of mental and behavioural absences showed that personal stress, work-related stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm, panic attacks, and alcoholism were among the reasons cited for staff being off work.

In conclusion, the rising sickness rates among West Lothian Council staff call for a concerted effort to prioritise employee well-being and mental health. By implementing supportive policies, resources, and interventions, the council aims to create a healthier work environment and reduce absenteeism among its workforce.

Insights:
It is crucial for organisations to proactively address rising sickness rates among employees to promote a healthy work environment and ensure staff well-being. By implementing supportive measures, such as mental health support services, flexible working arrangements, and stress management tools, employers can help reduce absences and foster a positive workplace culture. Prioritising employee health and well-being not only benefits individuals but also contributes to increased productivity and overall organisational success. Regular monitoring and review of sickness absence data can help identify trends and inform targeted interventions to address underlying issues effectively.