Absence Management
It is inevitable that there is some sickness absence in any organisation. But why do some organisations suffer more than others?
Why is it that some workgroups suffer higher levels than others?
Being ill is not something we would choose to experience, and absence levels cost money: sick pay is salary paid for no work, and absence often also involves paying someone else to cover. Taking constructive steps to reduce time lost is in everyone's interest.
Over 60% of absence is built up in periods of up to five days, which means no doctors are involved - the number of days needed is a matter of individual choice. If the return to work could be brought forward by only one day, the positive impact can be significant.
At the other end of the scale, 30% of all absence is caused by 5% of staff, who are away long term.
Friendly, supportive action to help and encourage the return to work, through a 'phasing' plan, for example, can be very helpful.
The workplace may also contribute to low resistance to infection, with high ambient temperatures, humidity, tiredness, poor exercise regimes or the psychological impact of feeling low : these are all features that can be improved. Colleagues who struggle in to work when they are clearly infectious can be counter-productive.
We have conducted work through the public sector in Wales to develop a systematic approach (see
http://www.wao.gov.uk/1491.asp ) and can deliver training for managers on all aspects of ‘How-to’, eg conduct return-to-work interviews.
Contact us to discuss your needs.