subject: Top Five Ways To Reduce Sick Leave [print this page] ONE Keep your employees updated on policies regarding work absence. When workers have a clear understanding of the rules, they are much more willing to abide by them! Take care that you never have an employee who wakes up one morning deathly ill, yet has no idea of the correct method for reporting in as sick. Whether your company prefers for workers to call, email or text message when they are unable to fulfill their job obligations, ensure that this policy is well known and routinely followed. Is there a certain time frame during which employees should report themselves absent? Will they need to provide a doctor's note when sick? What are the consequences for disregarding the rules for absenteeism? These are all questions that should be answered for your workers, and the policies must be upheld consistently, so employees will always know exactly what to expect.
TWO Be supportive towards employees who may need to be absent for several days due to an injury or illness. Boost moral by taking time out to contact the person with words of concern ... maybe even have the whole team sign a get-well card. Ask if the absent worker needs any help from the organisation. Not only does it cheer up sick employees to know that someone cares, but they will also be more eager to return to a workplace where they are appreciated and missed. Be sure your workers know that you want them back!
THREE Instruct your management staff on effective strategies for reducing absenteeism. Absent workers will appreciate and respond to supervisors who exhibit empathy to their needs, and to those who offer support rather than obsessing over such issues as meeting their KPIs (key performance indicators) or worrying about LTIs (lost time injury). Trust and understanding goes a long ways towards winning the loyalty of your employees.
FOUR Make allowance for non-medical leave and flexible working arrangements, to enable people to balance their personal life and work without resorting to "sickies". For example, studies have shown that sick leave rises during school holidays, when parental responsibilities compete with work responsibilities. Where appropriate, allowing parents to work from home as required during these periods can assist them to keep an eye on their kids while also ensuring the job gets done.
FIVE Create a happy working environment. If employees dread coming to work, they are much more likely to NEED a day off, just to remain sane. Make everyone happy by keeping performance expectations reasonable, listening/responding to the concerns of your employees, always treating them fairly and providing social support. When employees feel valued and well-treated, showing up for work will not be such a chore!
