New report warns of the impact of poor leave practices on the workforce
Employers with poor leave coverage and time away management strategies may end up experiencing a "perpetual" leave cycle in their organisation, a new report has warned.
Findings from Aflac's latest Time Away study revealed declines in mental (11%) and physical (7%) wellbeing among employees who are covering for their co-workers on leave.
More than a quarter (27%) of employees also reported getting diagnosed with a new condition while covering for a co-worker as a result of their increased workload.
For those with pre-existing conditions, one in five said the increased workload also caused their condition to worsen.
'Leave cycles' emerging
The report warned that poor wellbeing among employees is resulting in "perpetual" leave cycles in the workplace.
According to the report, more than half of employees who were diagnosed with a new condition while covering for a co-worker on leave had to take three or more weeks of personal time for self-care.
"Leave cycles could become perpetual, adversely impacting morale, engagement, and overall effectiveness of the impacted teams," the report read.
Meanwhile, additional strains for workers covering for those on leave include:
- Workplace stress or anxiety (73%)
- Burnout (67%)
- Resentment toward their company (48%)
- Resentment toward their supervisor (45%)
Time away practices gap
The findings come despite more than three in four leaders in the report giving their handling of extended leave coverage an "excellent" or a "very good" score.
More than four in 10 (44%) employers also said their approach to leave coverage is consistent, documented, and well-defined.
JR Shamley, senior vice president of National Accounts Business Development and Growth Solutions at Aflac, said their findings indicate a lack of awareness among employers of the toll when it comes to longer leave coverage.
"Leaders should ensure workers are supported, recognised, and rewarded equally and commensurate with the amount of additional work that's expected of them," Shamley said in a statement.
Jenny Merrithew, vice president, Marketplace Solutions at Aflac, recommended a strategy that supports the long-term wellbeing of employees, especially at times when they're covering for co-workers.
"The strategy should include clear communication, regular check-ins, and tools and support to help prevent employee burnout and boost their engagement," Merrithew said.
