Contributors to Workplace Absenteeism and Healthcare Benefits Costs

Toronto, ON - According to the latest Ipsos-Reid survey conducted with WarrenShepell, Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPAO) conference participants indicate that the top two contributors to absenteeism and/or health costs in the workplace are "depression/anxiety/other mental health disorders" (66%) and "stress" (60%). The other ranked causes include "relationships with supervisor/manager" (44%), "childcare issues" (35%), "co-worker conflict in the workplace" (28%), "parenting issues" (21%), "addictions or substance use/abuse issues" (20%), and "eldercare issues" (19%).

When it comes to "the most serious organizational issue" with respect to causing the most absenteeism, or having the most impact on health benefits claims costs, 31% of HRPAO conference participants indicated "stress" as the most serious issue, with another 14% identifying "poor relationships with supervisor/manager," 10% each for "childcare issues" and "depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders." Less common responses were "addictions and substance abuse" (7%), "personal relationship problems" (5%), "co-worker conflict in the workplace" (3%), "eldercare issues" (3%), and "coping with change" (1%). The remaining 18% did not provide an answer.

In order to address these issues, organizations undertook various measures in 2003. Two-thirds (64%) of respondents "implemented leadership or management training programs," six in ten (59%) "implemented employee assistance or other wellness initiatives," an equal number (59%) "delivered wellness or other training sessions." Just under half (46%) "enacted formal corporate policies/procedures to address these issues." Another 40% "enlisted specialized medial or other healthcare resources on a case-by-case basis," 31% "increased/decreased or otherwise changed claims coverage," 29% "outsourced to benefits consulting firm or other consultant to address issue," and another 29% "created an on-site program or facility to address issue."

Looking ahead to 2004, while one-third (35%) of HRPAO conference participants say their organization plans to keep their budget the same for these types of employee programs, one in five (19%) plan to dedicate more of their budget to these programs. One in ten (9%) plan to contribute less. The remaining 38% don't know or did not provide an answer.

These are the findings of an Ipsos-Reid/WarrenShepell poll conducted between February 18 and February 20, 2004 at the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPAO) annual conference in Toronto, Ontario. The survey is based on self-completed questionnaires from 78 conference participants.

Please open the attached PDF file to view the factum.

-30-

For more information on this news release, please contact:
John Wright
Senior Vice-President
Ipsos-Reid Public Affairs
(416) 324-2900