January Snowstorms Cost Uk Companies Billions In Absence Management Costs

Companies all around the UK felt the pinch as the severe weather conditions in January

had dramatic effects on the day-to-day running of their businesses. Absence management was a hot topic at the start of the year as major snowstorms hit the country resulting in employees being unable to make it into work.

According to the absence management specialists, FirstCare, the first working week of the new year saw more employees staying at home than ever before. Dangerous driving conditions and public transport cancellations meant that people were warned against venturing out the house unless it was absolutely necessary.

With almost 14% of the UK workforce staying at home on Wednesday 6th January 2010, over 15% on the Thursday and nearly 10% on Friday, the weather had a major impact on small and large businesses across the UK. With estimated costs of more than 2bn, there is no doubt that everyone is relieved to see the back of the bad weather.

Some companies were fortunate enough to deal with the increased absence management levels by coming up with ulterior methods of conducting business. Working from home was a popular choice as it meant that jobs were still being completed yet nobody had to risk leaving the house and encountering the dangerous roads.

At the time of all the chaos, Aaron Ross, CEO of FirstCare said:

"It is paramount that employers review and revise their working plans for the days ahead to ensure employee safety is at the top of the agenda. Whether it's asking employees to work from home or even closing the office, all activities should be effectively communicated with staff and information around pay given. In addition, guidance should be given on what business activities are essential and which can be put on hold until the weather improves."

This isn't the first time that the UK has had to deal with major snowstorms in the last few years however. February 2009 brought plenty of bad weather which saw the emergency services reporting and increase in the number of fractures and injuries amongst the population. This was due to people making unnecessary journeys or trying to beat the heavy snow which resulted in many slipping on ice and hurting themselves.

Absence management can be difficult enough for many companies to deal with at the best of times. However, severe weather conditions make it even more difficult because large numbers of absences have to be dealt with as opposed to only a few at a time. This can have a drastic effect on many businesses, especially small ones who rely on only a few members of staff to get the required tasks completed.

Although it looks as though the bad weather is over for now, with two consecutive years of heavy snowfall, it's likely that most companies will be more prepared for the possibility of a repeat of this next year. Taking into consideration how employees could get into work, absence management and alternative methods of working could end up saving many businesses thousands of pounds in the space of just a few days.

by: Monique Holtman

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