A significant proportion of businesses have identified mental health conditions as a major driver of employee sickness absences, research has revealed.

The YouGov survey, commissioned by workplace advisory body Acas, discovered that almost one third of managers attributed staff taking time off to stress, anxiety, depression, or related mental health concerns.

Julie Dennis, who leads on inclusivity at Acas, stated that the research shows a substantial number of managers experience mental health problems among their workforce as a significant factor in absenteeism.

This finding stands out when considering that respiratory infections like coughs, colds, and flu remain the primary cause of employees being absent from work.

Managers should focus on creating supportive workplace environments and get ready for imminent changes to regulations around sick pay, she indicated.

The research also indicated that almost two thirds of businesses identified minor ailments such as colds and flu as the most frequent reason for employees missing work, while approximately a quarter mentioned headaches and migraines.

The poll was published as the country prepares for upcoming reforms to statutory sick pay.

From April 6, workers will be eligible to receive sick pay from the moment they fall ill rather than after three days, and the existing requirement for a minimum level of earnings will be abolished.