UK App Aims to Slash Sick Days and Boost Employee Health

The United Kingdom is facing significant financial losses due to employee absenteeism, with an estimated £100 billion lost annually as workers miss an average of 4.4 days each year due to illness. In response, a new app called Looking After Me has been launched to address this pressing issue by providing proactive health services aimed at reducing sick days and enhancing employee wellbeing.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the impact of absenteeism extends beyond immediate productivity losses, affecting the overall health of businesses and their ability to retain talent. The new app leverages a network of trained former NHS nurses to offer monthly health check-ins, allowing employees to address health concerns before they escalate into more significant issues.

Ruth Tuthill, co-founder of Looking After Me, has over 20 years of experience in wellness and education. She expressed enthusiasm for the launch, highlighting its potential to improve employee health while simultaneously saving businesses substantial amounts of money. “We are incredibly excited to launch Looking After Me today and help companies protect the health of their employees as well as save billions of pounds in lost productivity,” Tuthill stated.

Innovative Approach to Employee Wellbeing

Looking After Me distinguishes itself from traditional health services by focusing on preventative care rather than merely reacting to health problems. The app offers employees 15 minutes of one-on-one counselling each month with the same health coach through a secure platform. All sessions are confidential, while employers receive anonymised data that reveals wellness trends and concerns within their organisation.

In addition to the monthly health check-ins, the app includes various tailored options, such as daily and weekly wellbeing assessments and onsite group sessions. When reactive care is necessary, employees have access to registered counsellors and general practitioners within 24 hours, along with mental health first aid training and crisis support.

Another co-founder, Claire Cooper, a seasoned HR strategist, emphasized the importance of prioritising preventative measures. She noted that businesses often consider their workforce as their greatest asset, making it crucial to focus on maintaining employee health rather than solely treating illnesses as they arise.

Benefits Beyond Absenteeism

The app not only targets absenteeism but also aims to enhance employee retention and recruitment. By offering a valuable workplace benefit, Looking After Me provides companies with a measurable return on investment. Tuthill explained that “this isn’t just about reducing absenteeism and improving staff retention; it also helps with recruitment by offering a workplace benefit that in turn delivers a measurable return on investment.”

With the potential to significantly impact employee health and productivity, Looking After Me represents a forward-thinking approach to workplace wellness in the UK. As companies increasingly recognise the importance of supporting their employees’ health, innovative solutions like this app may become essential tools in fostering a healthier workforce and mitigating the financial burden of sick days.