05.29.07
High Cost of Absenteeism
Finding ways to increase productivity is always a hot button topic. What may be surprising, though, is the fact that there is one way to increase employee productivity that should seem like a no-brainer, but that many companies struggle with on a continual basis.
Annually, employers lose approximately $100B for time lost due to accidents in the U.S, and other unscheduled worker absences costs even more. It’s no wonder that a whole body of knowledge referred to as absence management has taken hold as more and more companies struggle with the rising numbers.
So what steps can you take as a small business owner to curb employee accidents and unscheduled absences? Here are a few simple tips to start you on your way:
- Create a written policy that balances the needs of your company with that of being fair and respectful of the needs of your employees.
- Communicate your policy to your employees. Let them know how their unschedule absences impact the company as well as their colleagues, and what steps will be taken if they continue.
- For those employees out due to an accident or a prolonged absence, focus on getting them back to work and on being productive. Proceed cautiously and with solid information in hand when doing so since some complex issues may arise around medical, legal, and contractual situations.
