Public sector leaders have been asked to prepare accordingly, as transport, the NHS and schools have been impacted by widespread absences. Adrian Lewis, Commercial Director at Activ People HR goes further, and says all UK businesses should be putting plans in place to minimise the risk to business of rising workplace absence.

Lewis says, “Having large swaths of the workforce off with Covid and having to self-isolate for up to 10 days, unless they test negative after day six and seven will have a drastic effect on productivity. This is especially the case where staff can’t work from home, but even for those able to work at home, many may be too ill to work if they catch Covid.

“As the UK moves through this fourth wave of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for firms to have robust systems in place to mitigate risks and ensure they can cope with reduced staff numbers.

“Omicron is much more transmissible so it’s likely the high numbers that are testing positive will continue for some weeks after people have mixed over the Xmas and New Year period. The Prime Minister said the UK will ‘ride out’ the wave with no new restrictions planned, so it’s up to employers to protect their staff and limit impact on productivity.”

Lewis adds, “The numbers are not looking great at the moment and unless the number of self-isolation days are reduced which the Government is considering, it’s more important than ever for employers to manage staff absence effectively. One solution for businesses both large and small is using absence management technology.

“This enables managers at a glance to know who is off sick, who is self-isolating, as well as those who are self-isolating but are able to work at home, as well as other types of absence such as annual leave or those on training courses.  Having this visibility helps employers plan and move staff around if needed to areas where there are a lot of people off. It also enables them to find outside cover if needed.

“This technology can help employers manage absence far more effectivity than using spreadsheets or recording sick days on bits of paper which many firms still do, saving the HR team or CEO time.

“It can also be the difference of getting through the next few months with the business operating as near to normal as possible or taking a big hit in productivity.”

For more information on Active People HR visit: www.activpeoplehr.co.uk.