Managing employee absence effectively is not just about reducing the number of sick days; it’s about fostering a healthier, more engaged, and ultimately more productive workforce. As we unveil our comprehensive guide for February, “The Business Owner’s Guide to Absence Management,” we delve into the essential strategies and insights to help you manage and minimise absenteeism in your business.
Why Managing and Reducing Absence is Vital for Your Business
The silent cost of absence can be staggering. In 2020, absence was a £7 billion burden on UK businesses. While common illnesses are an expected part of life, the true cost of absence extends beyond just paid sick leave. It impacts team dynamics, productivity, and can strain client relationships. That’s why keeping abreast of absence patterns and their implications is indispensable.
Tracking Absence: The First Step to Taking Control
Modern HR software, such as Breathe, can be instrumental in tracking absence. These tools offer the capability to record, monitor, and analyse absence trends, equipping you with the necessary insights to assess the impact on your business.
Understanding the Cause of Absence
Return-to-work interviews are a proactive measure to understand the reasons behind employee absenteeism. These conversations can provide valuable insights and, in some cases, deter non-genuine absence. At EnlightenHR, we can assist you with structured templates and frameworks to conduct these interviews effectively.
Top Reasons for Absence in the UK
Data from the Office of National Statistics pinpoints the primary reasons for absence. With this information, you can align your strategies to address the most prevalent issues within your workforce.
Proactive Steps to Reduce Absence
Reducing absence is multifaceted and should be tailored to the specific reasons behind your employees’ time off. Nevertheless, there are immediate actions every business can take:
- Cultivating a supportive culture that values wellbeing.
- Offering flexible working arrangements to support diverse needs.
- Providing opportunities for training and personal development.
- Maintaining clear and open communication channels.
- Recognising and rewarding your team’s hard work.
- Encouraging open conversations and providing support for mental health.
- Promoting regular breaks and mindfulness to recharge.
- Ensuring a healthy work/life balance.
- Training managers to be mindful of and responsive to stress indicators.
- Identifying and addressing workplace stressors head-on.
- Utilising tools like the Bradford Score to monitor and manage stress-related absences.
- Implementing initiatives designed to reduce stress, such as wellness programs.
If you’re seeking to enhance your absence management approach and reduce its impact on your business, our February guide is an invaluable resource. Download “The Business Owner’s Guide to Absence Management” today and take the first step towards a more present and productive team.
Need Personalised Assistance?
EnlightenHR is here to support you. Let’s collaborate to tailor a strategy that fits your unique business needs. Together, we can transform how you manage absence and foster a more resilient and vibrant workforce.
Holly Mapstone is an HR expert and specialises in helping those of you in the SME sector with all of your HR needs.
Consultancy allows Holly to be agile and to adapt her style and support to suit the needs of her clients. Building strong working relationships allows Holly to deliver improvements, while also aligning people strategy to business outcomes and promoting resilient and positive cultures.
Need Advice?
If you need a hand with any of this, or anything else when it comes to the people and practices in your business, we’d love to help. We are always happy to debate the pros/cons, dos/don’ts with you so please do talk to us if we can help in any way, we are here to support you. Just give us a call and arrange a free consultation. You can talk to Alison directly on 07967 221595 or email info@enlightenhr.com
