The ironic problem with HR’s health issues

HR professionals are the most likely employees to turn up to work when they’re ill. Ironically, according to a report from Personal Group, the people-function people aren’t abiding by their own presenteeism advice.

The average HR worker spent 5.2 days at work when they were ill – that’s more than any other profession. The report also found that 71% of HR leaders delayed seeking medical advice because they didn’t want to miss work – with two thirds of HR employees feeling uncomfortable when they take any time off sick.

Less than one in ten HR professionals said their employer was fine with them taking paid time off for a doctor’s appointment, with 38% of HR staff using their personal annual leave just to go to the doctors.

Speaking on the survey in general, Mark Scanlon, CEO of Personal Group, commented: “An overwhelming 85% of workers believe that their employers have a responsibility to support the health and wellbeing of staff.

“We agree, not least because a workforce with easy access to medical advice will be healthier, happier and more productive.”

Dr Brian McManus, Medical Director at videoDoc, added: “The results of this study suggest a worrying trend that employees are prioritizing work over health. As demands on employee productivity increase, employees feel pressured to simply struggle on regardless.”

Safeguarding the health of the workforce may well fall into HR’s remit – but don’t forget to protect your own health too.