UK workers are taking more sick days than at any point in the last 10 years, research by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) suggests.

Staff took on average 7.8 sick days in the past year, according to the CIPD. That statistic is up from 5.8 days before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The CIPD has said the rise was a ‘worry’, and put most of the blame on stress, Covid and the cost of living crisis. These worrying issues were having ‘profound impacts on many people’s wellbeing’, the organisation added.

Finances can also play havoc with someone’s mental health and wellbeing.

Lifetime’s own Employee Survey revealed that over half of employees admitted to feeling stressed or worried about their current financial situation.

Taking control of your finances – and planning for your short and long-term goals – is something that can have a huge impact on your emotional and financial wellbeing.

The cost of living crisis – with food, energy and fuel bills soaring – has brought an added urgency to the need for better financial education and guidance. There has never been a more important time to have a plan, and to know exactly what your money can and can’t do for you.

Clearly the interest and demand for financial wellbeing in the workplace are there. Employees are seeking help. They are looking for ways to live in the here and now, and to protect their financial future.