Almost half (46%) of companies now have an employee wellbeing strategy in place - up from 33% and 30% in 2009 and 2008 respectively.
The 2010 Absence Survey from healthcare provider Simplyhealth and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), found 22% of companies have increased their spend on wellbeing, while only 9% have reduced spend in this area.
Other findings include:
• More organisations are recording their annual employee absence rate (82% compared to 70% last year)
• The average level of absence remains at 7.7 days per employee (7.4 days in 2009 survey)
• The median cost of absence is £600 per employee per year
• Over a third of employers (38%) reported an increase in mental health problems over the past year
However, Helen Dickinson, Head of People, Simplyhealth, warned the public sector would be rein in health and wellbeing spending. She said: "This is probably due to the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review which is expected to impact those working in the public sector the most.
She added: "Companies will inevitably need to be careful about budgets but arguably this is a time when employees will need more support than ever. To help ensure wellbeing programmes remain, companies need to be proactive and find the most cost effective ways to help prevent employees being off work, and getting those who are, back to work quickly."
Dr Jill Miller, CIPD Adviser, commented: "An increased focus on wellbeing across the sectors is reassuring given that the recession and the subsequent recovery have taken a toll on absence. ‘Presenteeism' is likely to be a concern for employers with almost a quarter of the respondents saying they have seen an increase in the number of people coming to work ill in the last 12 months.
"Ensuring the wellbeing of staff is of paramount importance in times of uncertainty and there is a limit to how long employees can work under pressure until their health suffers. This more proactive approach to absence management is therefore encouraging.
