Absenteeism is not a one-size-fits-all challenge. Different industries experience absence in different ways, driven by unique workforce structures, pressures and risks.

Healthcare

High absence rates driven by:

• Physical and emotional demands
• Shift work and fatigue
• Exposure to illness

Impact: Direct effect on patient care and safety.

Retail

Absence influenced by:

• Casual workforce models
• High turnover
• Peak trading pressures

Impact: Lost revenue and reduced customer experience.

Insurance and corporate sectors

Absence patterns shaped by:

• Sedentary roles
• Psychological stress
• Hybrid work environments

Impact: Productivity loss and increased claims risk.

Why industry context matters

Effective absence management requires:

• Understanding sector-specific drivers
• Tailoring interventions accordingly
• Benchmarking against relevant peers

Final thought

There is no universal solution to absenteeism. The most effective strategies are those tailored to the realities of each industry.

For more information on how a proactive absence management strategy can help your organisation, contact our team today: enquires.healthsolutions@sedgwick.com