Success in business, regardless of your industry, size, and nature of your organization, always depends on people. To deliver for your clients, stay ahead of competitors, and keep up with the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in your sector, you need a strong, reliable workforce. That’s why tracking and managing absenteeism in the workplace should be a priority for employers.
Excessive, unexpected absenteeism has several undesired effects, including lack of productivity and loss of morale. To understand the scope of your absenteeism problem, you must first review attendance metrics and explore the reasons why your employees are calling off work. Only then can you create a strategic action plan to reduce worker call-offs and improve your bottom line.
Here are the 5 common causes of absenteeism and how you can manage them:
1. Physical Injury and Illness
Physical complaints, commonly in the form of injury or illness, account for a large proportion of workplace absences. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how physical illness can have a devastating impact on workforces. Despite vaccines and work-from-home strategies, workplace absences are still increasing. Taking active steps to help your employees remain physically fit could be beneficial for your business. Consider strategies such as introducing incentives or gamification schemes that encourage employees to walk or cycle to work, promoting health awareness days and events, and providing healthy snacks.
2. Mental Health Difficulties
Good mental well-being is just as important as physical health for people to do their jobs well. Mental health concerns like depression and anxiety contribute to lost productivity. To support good mental health in the workplace, have frank and honest conversations about the subject to reduce stigma, address toxic behaviors immediately, and provide resources like workshops, seminars, and counseling.
3. Bullying and Harassment
Bullying and harassment in the workplace lead to higher rates of absenteeism due to stress and anxiety. Establish dedicated policies that state what behaviors are considered bullying or harassment and how the company will respond. Specify channels and methods for reporting incidents with complete confidentiality and have a straightforward investigation procedure. Regularly review and collect feedback on bullying and harassment policies.
4. Job Hunting
Unscheduled time off for job interviews or to search for other jobs can contribute to absenteeism. If you notice high absenteeism rates due to job hunting, it may be a sign that you need to improve employee engagement, provide growth opportunities, and offer a flexible work environment. Have clear policies in place to define acceptable reasons for absence and consider giving employees some flexibility to attend job interviews during regular working hours.
5. Caregiving
Employees may need time off to care for children or elderly parents, leading to absenteeism. To support employees with caregiving responsibilities, review your time-off policies and consider offering flexible scheduling or a four-day workweek. On-site child care or a hybrid work model that allows employees to work from home can also help manage caregiving responsibilities.
It’s important to address absenteeism in the workplace as it can lead to decreased productivity, financial loss, and a negative company culture. By understanding the main causes of absenteeism and implementing strategies to manage them, you can improve employee attendance and ultimately drive business success.
