Absence Management

According to the CIPD’s 17th National Survey of Absence Management Trend, Policy and Practice – the level of employee absence is the lowest it’s been in 17 years.

Evidence in the report shows that managing absence is currently one of the top three key people management priorities.  Wurkplace offers a virtual solution that allows you to manage staff absence with the push of a button.  Go here for a free demo on our HR Management System.

Overall, the median cost of absence per employee is now £522 which has dropped from £835 per employee in previous years.  Although the cost has dropped slightly, employers would still like to avoid it.

Common methods for short-term absence management:

• Provide line managers with absence information
• Trigger mechanisms (ie. Bradford Factor)
• Return to Work interviews

One of the main causes of long term sickness absences is workplace stress.  Employers should be able to identify and reduce stress.  Consider:

• Stress audits
• Flexible working options
• Staff surveys
• Improved work/life balance
• Risk assessments

Actions to take to prevent long term sickness:

• Health promotion
• Capability procedures
• Risk assessment
• Leave for family circumstances

Wurkplace are hosting a workplace stress seminar on the 17th January 2017.  Admission is free and there will be opportunities to network.  For full details, see here.