It is no surprise that more than a third (35%) of all sickness absences from work fall on a Monday.  A consulting firm, Mercer conducted a UK Sickness Absence Survey which is based on an analysis of sickness management records for 11,000 individual employees across a range of private sector organisations.  January was the worst month for absenteeism.

It is interesting to note that the main causes of sickness absence were musculoskeletal problems followed by viral infections and stress-related illnesses.  Musculoskeletal problems, in the form of strain or injury to bones, muscles and joints accounted for nearly a quarter of all days lost (24%).

We live in the age of computers, especially at work where constant computer use, poor workstation configuration, inappropriate chair, unsatisfactory working technique, and poor posture are all risk factors that can contribute to musculoskeletal problems.

Good health and safety practices at work can help reduce this type of ailment.  Proper computer workstation assessments will instill good working practices into computer users.  Looking after staff welfare is important both from an injury prevention perspective and to increase morale; these should have a positive effect on reducing staff absenteeism.