Managing Absenteeism; treading a fine line

By CPD News

Employers are looking at innovative ways to deal with absenteeism.
The first step is finding the extent of the problem

Organisations need a comprehensive way of collating and monitoring absence. They also need to be aware of any underlying organisational causes of absenteeism. If there are pockets within the organisation, then they should look at why those areas are not functioning well.

They should also see if the sort of incentives used to combat absenteeism - attendance bonuses, paying out unused sick leave, conversion of sick leave into annual leave- actually impact on absenteeism levels.

Other ways of looking at the problem include compulsory return to work interviews which should be carefully structured and conducted. Getting a culture of attendance is the aim.

(Workplace Intelligence; April 2003. Thomson CPD)