UK workers are most likely to be off sick on Monday, according to new research.
Consultant Mercer’s study of more than 11,000 workers will confirm the suspicions of most after finding more than a third of sick days – 35% – were taken at the start of the week, compared with just 3% on a Friday.
Its examination of records for 2008 also found that 13 of the 20 most popular days for sick leave are in January – particularly early in the month after the festive season.
The most common causes of absence are strains or injuries to bones, muscles and joints, which accounted for 24% of all days off.
Stress and viral infections such as colds and flu were each responsible for 17% of days’ absence, the consultant said.
Research also found female workers take 24% more days off than their male co-workers.
