Employers are being urged to monitor absence rates after a new report showed stress and low morale are "hidden problems" in the workplace.

Managers believe emotional and personal problems as well as stress are the main reasons for absence from work.

But these problems are well down a list of reasons for absence recorded on self-certification forms.

The Industrial Society said its research suggests that for many people, working life was too pressurised.

Absences cost the UK economy about £13 billion a year, with employees taking an average of eight days off sick each year. Workers should be trained to recognise signs of stress and be offered help, said the Industrial Society.

"Employees need to know that they are needed, that absence is taken seriously and that employers want to help," said Jean Balcombe, the society's head of information services.

"Managers should be trying to create a culture of trust at work where issues such as stress, family responsibilities and flexible working may be discussed openly. Only then will managers be addressing the real causes of absenteeism."

Research among 800 managers found that in their opinion, the most common reasons for absence were:

1 Colds or flu.

2 Stress, emotional and personal problems.

3 Monday morning blues.

4 Low morale.

5 Childcare problems or family sickness.

Reasons recorded by workers on self-certification forms were:

1 Colds or flu.

2 Stomach upsets or food poisoning.

3 Headaches or migraines.

4 Back problems.

5 Stress, emotional or personal problems.

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