According to a survey from The Exeter, which surveyed around 2,000 adults, nearly half – 49% – of men have taken an extended period off work and 18% had done so within the last year.
This compares to 39% of female workers who have taken a prolonged period off work, and 9% of absences occurring in the past year.
The report said the issue is notable among those aged 25-34 years old, of whom almost two-thirds – 62% – have taken extended leave at some point.
The Exeter found that extended absences were least common among small business owners, at 21%, but more than doubled to 53% of employees employed by a medium-sized company of 50-249 employees.
Approximately 51% of employees at larger firms – defined as 250 or more employees – said they had taken an extended absence.
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Nearly a quarter said they had taken the absence in the last year.
Around half of respondents in Greater London reported taking an extended period off work, the highest of any region, and up from the national average of 44%.
This compares to 36% in the West Midlands and 39% in Wales, showing regional variation is rife.
Dawn Prescott, head of healthcare proposition at The Exeter, said: “Extended absences and cancelled plans show how ill health affects not just financial security, but people’s mental wellbeing too. These results highlight the growing challenge of meeting public expectations around timely healthcare access, particularly among younger adults, who are increasingly impacted by disruptions to work and daily life.
“We recognise the healthcare pressures facing UK workers and believe we have a role to play in supporting recovery, and in offering protection and healthcare solutions that help individuals manage both financial and emotional pressures when ill health strikes.”
