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

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

There is a big opportunity for brokers to help employers proactively reduce the cost and impact of employee absences by working with a carrier that offers a well-rounded absence and disability management program focused on maintaining productivity and improving employee health.