NHS staff: Sickness absence and intention to leave the profession

Abstract Objective To determine key workforce variables (demographic, health and occupational) that predicted NHS staff’s 1) absence due to illness (both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related) and 2) expressed intention to leave their current profession. Methods Staff from 18 NHS Trusts were surveyed between April 2020 and January 2021, and again approximately 12months later. Logistic and linear regression were used to explore relationships between baseline exposures and 12-month outcomes. Results We included 10,831 participants for analysis. At 12-months, 20% stated they agreed or strongly agreed they were actively seeking employment outside their current profession; 24% said they thought about leaving their profession at least several times per week. Twenty-percent of participants took 5+ days of work absence due to non-COVID-19 sickness in the 12-months between baseline and 12-month questionnaire; 14% took 5+ days of COVID-19 related sickness absence. Sickness absence (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related) and intention to leave the profession (actively seeking another role and thinking about leaving) were all more common among NHS staff who were younger, in a COVID-19 risk group, had a probable mental health disorder, and who did not feel supported by colleagues and managers. Conclusions There were several factors which affect both workforce retention and sickness absence. Of particular interest because they are modifiable, are the impact of colleague and manager support. The NHS workforce is likely to benefit from training managers to speak with and support staff, especially those experiencing mental health difficulties. Further, staff should be given sufficient opportunities to form and foster social connections. What is already known on this topic The ability of the NHS to provide a good service in a timely manner is under more pressure and strain than ever before, and therefore the retention and health of current staff is incredibly important. What this study adds We included survey data collected on 10,831 NHS staff across 18 Trusts in England between April 2020 and February 2022. Sickness absence and intention to leave the profession were more common among NHS staff who were younger, in a COVID-19 risk group, had a probable mental health disorder, and who did not feel supported by colleagues and managers. How this study might affect research, practice or policy This study suggests that in order to improve staff retention and reduce staff sickness, the NHS workforce is likely to benefit from training managers to speak with and support staff, especially those experiencing mental health difficulties. Further, staff should be given sufficient opportunities to form and foster social connections and reflect on the challenges of the work they do together.