STRATEGIES FOR BEING PROACTIVE ABOUT WORKPLACE ABSENTEEISM

Reduce workplace stress

Some jobs are innately stressful, whether physically or mentally, but the stresses involves in most “lower rung” positions tend to go unnoticed. Simple workplace practice changes—such as shorter but more frequent breaks for employees who must perform repetitive movements for long periods of time—can prevent health problems that might require substantial time off in the future.

Encourage healthy habits

For companies that have the space and the funds, it can be hugely useful to provide employees with a place where they can exercise at work. People who get regular exercise aren’t just healthier, they’re more energetic and productive, too, so the expenditure can end up paying for itself.

Offer preventative healthcare leave

Adding a couple of days worth of “free” leave—with the stipulation that it’s to be used for preventative healthcare purposes—to an employee’s benefits package can be useful way of stemming the absenteeism tide. In most cases people, prefer to choose the legitimate option rather than sneaking a sick day.

Reward low absenteeism

This can be a tricky one, because you don’t want to encourage people coming into work when they’re genuinely ill and potentially contagious. On the other hand, a small perk of some kind, offered on a quarterly or annual basis, can help cut down on unnecessary sick days.

Be aware of workplace “drama”

Workers who are unhappy at work for any reason are more likely to take sick days, which means that problems such as personality clashes, bullying, and other interpersonal issues may result in a surge in days off. A manager who stays actively involved in their department is much better equipped to solve these problems before they turn into major issues.

Allow some flexibility when making up time off

Most people will have at least one emergency—family or otherwise—that necessitates some unexpected time off during their working life. Rather than risk losing their annual leave, many people will simply call in sick. Alternatively, giving them the option to make up the lost hours over time, for instance by working a couple of extra hours a day may prevent them needing the sick days.