The research states this figure is an indication of the importance of monitoring and recording absence as part of an overall health and wellness policy.
The Group risk employer research study, which surveyed 500 organisations, finds reporting absence can be highly significant with regards to corporate governance.
The research shows that, in the future, companies may be judged as much on how they manage absence as on their executive remuneration and shareholdings.
The Government has also acknowledged the importance of managing absence effectively in its response to the Sickness Absence Review. This year's Budget granted tax relief on interventions targeted at minimising absence and speeding an employee's return to work.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: "It's great that employers are starting to wise up to the importance of recording absence in the workplace and the benefits this brings to their business – particularly at a time when their positive efforts are mirrored by the Government.
"Even more exciting is that this could mark the start of a more open environment where ensuring the health and wellbeing of the workforce is seen as part and parcel of the employer's duty of care."
Moxham added: "If a new culture of openness prevails, positive moves to manage absence such as implementation of a group income protection policy can be communicated to a larger audience – paving the way for more businesses to make genuinely effective steps to minimise the impact of absence."
