What is Absence?

• Short-term certificated or self-certificated sickness (colds, flu, stomach upsets, headaches)
• Long-term absence (psychological, mental health and musculoskeletal problems)
• Unauthorised absence and persistent lateness (duvet days)
• Authorised absences (annual leave, maternity/paternity, adoption/parental leave, public/trade union duties, care for dependents, compassionate and educational leave)

Why care about Absence Management?

• Because it costs: the average cost of absence per employee per year is £692 (CIPD Absence Management Annual survey report 2009)
• Because it has a real impact: affecting the workload, efficiency and morale of other colleagues
• Because it misses opportunities to invest in the health of the individual as well as the health of the organisation (e.g. absent sales staff losing customers)

How do you tackle Absence?

• Give employees well-defined job roles, challenging but real-world targets, and the support and training they need to achieve those targets
• Provide the integration of tools and resources not only to support employees requiring time away from work but also to facilitate their successful return
• Believe in early intervention and good communication to deal with issues before they escalate
• Stay aware of current and future legislation that affects the way absence issues are handled, such as ‘Fit for Work’ initiatives helping people with temporary or permanent physical or mental health issues return to work appropriately

How People Resolutions can help:

• Planning: Auditing root causes (management style, stress, workload) and suggesting new ways forward; creating the case for investing in an effective absence management programme; creating policies on disability management and ‘fitness for work’; assisting with the implementation of monitoring procedures; looking for supportive initiatives including flexible working, and access to occupational health and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
• Prevention: Training line managers and HR with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to investigate and manage absence effectively
• Resolution: For individual issues and potential conflicts arising from absence, including facilitation, consultancy, ‘Fit for Work’ assessment and disability case management, Mediation and Investigation
  
  

To discuss further, call us free on 0800 6125 110, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or download our fact sheet.