An employer's profitability is tied to employees being healthy,present and productive on the job. When employees are absent fromwork for medical reasons—whether it's an incidental unplannedabsence (casual sick days, personal emergencies), a short- orlong-term disability leave or a leave of absence—the direct andindirect expenses of these leaves can be very costly to anorganization's bottom line.

Take absenteeism (unscheduled absences) and presenteeism(underperforming at work due to a medical condition or mentaldistractions) for example. These two workplace issues are veryproblematic and costly to employers because they are difficult toprevent or control. Personal issues, chronic illnesses or injuriesand mental health conditions are some of the leading causes ofabsenteeism and presenteeism, and continue to threatenproductivity. According to one source, presenteeism accounts for 60percent of the total cost of employee illness. 

There is a big opportunity for brokers to help employersproactively reduce the cost and impact of employee absences byworking with a carrier that offers a well-rounded absence anddisability management program focused on maintaining productivityand improving employee health.