First published on Thursday, February 5, 2026
Last updated on Thursday, February 5, 2026
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we take a look at the most pressing HR and employment law stories. With over 18 years’ experience in employee relations, I give my opinion on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and legal.
Cold and flu season set to hit harder next winter
It’s cold and flu season. And more than a third of employers say that their main challenge when managing sickness is high levels of short-term, frequent absence. We’ve been tracking absence data and sickness trends alongside changes in legislation, to help employers plan ahead for next winter. And this is where absence management software comes into its own, identifying trends and patterns before they become a significant risk.
As well as the impact on workforce planning, it’s key to note the financial impact that sickness absence can have on businesses. Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will apply from day one of absence as of 6 April this year. Our calculations estimate that an additional 200,000 workers will be off sick during the peak day of sickness next year. That’s a minimum cost of £5.13 million to UK employers, for just one day.
Need help managing staff sickness absences? Here’s a policy you can download for free.
7 in 10 employees pretend to be well at work
According to a new survey, over two thirds of employees are pretending to be well at work when they’re not. The main reasons were financial woes, lack of understanding from management, and negative stigma around health. This hidden health challenge has a very real impact on productivity and engagement.
36% of HR leaders say hidden health challenges are now their top workforce priority. So, how do you address working when unwell? For me, it’s about culture and communication. Your employees shouldn’t be worrying about job security and pressure at work. If people don’t feel comfortable talking to their manager about a potential issue, make sure they have a confidential outlet like an Employee Assistance Programme. You could also think about internal communications, employee satisfaction surveys, and regular performance reviews. But make sure you take action when you see the results. It’ll be the best way to reward those who speak out.
Listen to our new podcast – The Bright Business Owner
Have you heard about the new BrightHR podcast series, The Bright Business Owner? Each episode dives into the real-world challenges business owners are facing, covering everything from the complexities of employment law to new tech trends like AI. Our expert hosts will be chatting to guests from BrightHR and beyond to explore these topics and offer practical advice that you can put into place.
In our latest episode, Al Brown, Global AI and Technology Director, takes a look at the risks and challenges of AI implementation, with actionable tips and real-world solutions for today’s business leader. And each month, we’ll cover the topics you need to know about, from mental health awareness to menopause. Check it out on Spotify.
And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and employment law stories, helping keep your business ahead!
