Quantum Advisory, the leading pensions and employee benefits consultancy for small and medium sized schemes and employers, has urged employers to take action now as delayed health detection continues to drive record absence levels, push up benefit costs and puts mounting pressure on HR teams.
Long-term sickness absence has reached 9.4 days per employee, the highest in more than a decade (CIPD), and poor workforce health is estimated to cost employers £85bn each year in lost productivity (Keep Britain Working).
Graham Yearsley, Head of Employee Benefits at Quantum Advisory, commented:
“The human impact of late diagnosis is profound. Families are affected, careers are disrupted, and lives are often cut short. Cancer Research UK reports survival rates of 80–90% for Stage 1 cancers, compared with under 20% at Stage 4, and the NHS Long Term Plan suggests that earlier diagnosis could save 55,000 lives annually. For employers, the workplace impact is also significant. Employees with unmanaged or late-diagnosed conditions are more likely to experience extended absence, reduced productivity, and higher insurance costs (see the below chart which shows the impact on employers). Supporting employees with timely interventions benefits both people and business alike.
“Early detection is one of the few areas where better outcomes for people and cost management for employers align perfectly, and there are many practical steps employers can take today. Predictive health models, which are readily available through one of Quantum’s key partners allow HR teams to identify higher-risk groups and offer targeted interventions such as screening and preventative support, ensuring benefits reach the employees who need them most. Linking anonymised health, absence, and demographic data enables proactive planning rather than reactive response.”
Yearsley continued: “Investing in predictive and preventative approaches allows HR teams to spend smarter and improve health outcomes for employees while strengthening the business. Beyond the financial benefits, early detection sends a strong cultural message. Employees who feel supported are 2.5 times more likely to stay and 1.8 times more engaged at work (Gallup, 2024), creating a cycle of improved health, productivity, and retention.
“The takeaway is clear: waiting is the most expensive option. By adopting predictive, targeted, and preventative approaches, organisations can protect their workforce, reduce long-term costs, and build a stronger, healthier culture.”
