It’s no secret that unplanned absences in the workplace can have a negative impact on productivity and morale. When workers are absent, it often falls to their colleagues to pick up the slack, which can lead to frustration and decreased efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the causes of absenteeism and offer strategies for combating it.
There can be a number of underlying issues that lead to unplanned absences, such as stress, fatigue, burnout, and illness. Taking the time to understand what is causing the absences is key to developing a successful strategy for addressing them.
When an employee has gone above and beyond in their duties, it’s important to recognize and reward them accordingly. Conversely, if there are issues with absences or performance that need addressing, it’s best to do so quickly and directly rather than allowing the issue to fester or get out of hand.
Employees should know exactly what is expected of them in terms of attendance, performance and behaviour. This includes setting clear guidelines from the start and communicating any changes or updates throughout the year.
When possible, employers should offer employees flexible work arrangements that allow them to balance their personal and professional lives. Alternatives such as part-time work schedules, job sharing, telecommuting and compressed workweeks can all help reduce absenteeism while still getting the job done.
Rewards programs are another great way to encourage attendance and performance. Offering incentives such as gift cards or bonuses for meeting specific goals can help drive better outcomes by giving employees something tangible to strive for.
Having workplace flu vaccinations available is an effective way to reduce absenteeism due to illness. Vaccinations can help protect employees from contracting the influenza virus, thereby reducing their risk of having to take time off work.
Employee assistance programs are a valuable resource for employers looking to support their workers’ overall wellbeing. EAPs provide employees with access to counselling and other types of support that can help them manage stress, mental health issues, and other issues that may be leading to absences in the workplace.
Finally, it’s important to track and monitor absenteeism in order to identify trends or patterns, as well as areas for improvement. Employers should also work to create an environment that encourages employees to speak up if they are having difficulties with their workload, schedule or job responsibilities. Also, employers should stay aware of the latest laws and regulations related to leave policies.
By taking the time to understand the underlying causes of absenteeism and implementing the strategies outlined above, employers can find effective ways of combating unplanned absences in the workplace. A combination of proactive communication, clear expectations, flexible arrangements, rewards programs and employee assistance programs can all help reduce absenteeism while simultaneously boosting morale and productivity.
GET THE COMPLIMENTARY E-BOOK
