One in three workers openly admit to skiving

One in three UK workers admit to lying to take time off work, mainly because they’re disillusioned with their jobs, according to research commissioned by PwC on attitudes to absence.

While good weather, hangovers, and romance are motivations for 11%, 18% and 5% of ‘skivers’ respectively, the majority (61%) claim they are simply bored and depressed with work. Just over one in five workers said family responsibilities are the real reason behind ‘sick’ days.

Neil Roden, HR consulting partner at PwC, said: "Absenteeism costs British Business around £32bn a year, but our findings suggest a large chunk of this loss is preventable. If people are bored and depressed with their jobs, employers need to think creatively about how they can get people back in gear. Rather than a sign of laziness, unwarranted leave can mean people are under-used."

He added:

"Introducing or enhancing flexible working arrangements can make a difference. Ensuring people feel they’re not taken for granted is also important. Some 15% of those who provided false excuses felt they deserved the time."

Illness is the favoured excuse for 83% of ‘skivers’, with four out of ten even faking symptoms around the office in preparation for a day off. Some 16% sniff at work, another 12% pretend to lose their voice, while 5% have even used props such as bandages, crutches and make-up. The illness of choice though, is often one which is difficult to prove: half of all excuses involve gastro-related problems.

A third of workers think they’d be more likely to take unwarranted leave if they see their colleagues getting away with it and two-thirds say their sickies are more credible if they pretend to be ill for more than one day.

While most (79%) workers phone in sick themselves, 9% get someone else to do so, 5% text, 3% email and 3% leave a message before anyone is in the office

Neil Roden, HR consulting partner at PwC, said:

"Employers need to use both carrot and stick. If it’s very easy to call in sick, or you don’t even need to call at all, then people are more likely to abuse the system. But if there’s more of a process to follow, people are more likely to think twice about taking time off.

"With UK absenteeism levels double those recorded in the US, it is vital British employers get to grips with the problem to ensure the UK remains competitive."