Managing Absence in the Workplace by Joseph Michaels
It seems that many managers tend to be unaware as to issues relating to managing absence. However dealing with such issues is an integral part of personnel management as a result there is simply no doubt that a manager needs to become involved.
Generally speaking the responsibility of managing attendance in the workplace can be extremely challenging due to the many associated complexities. As many managers can attest to personnel management in general can be extremely difficult this is only when dealing with those who are in attendance. However managers also have to deal with issues regarding any employees who may be absent.
At the core of employee benefits attendance management is sick leave. This is because employees cannot be expected to work at peak performance when they are sick if the do not get paid when they are recuperating they will look towards another employer who will provide such compensation. However it important when managing absence to make sure employees are not taking advantage of sick leave benefits. & of course it also helpful that a company does not create an environment where the individual is repeatedly unable to go to work.
For example employers have an obligation to ensure that the workplace is as stress free as possible. Numerous studies have shown that when employees are subjected to high levels of work related stress absence increases. In fact it has been noted that stress can often manifest itself in the form of flu like symptoms which of course results in an employee being absent. When this involves numerous employees happens on a frequent basis it can have a dramatic effect on the overall performance of the company. Also if the source of stress is not removed form work environment there won't really be any end in sight. On the other hand if employers are conscious of attendance management take the necessary steps in order to reduce stress attendance rates will improve.
To a great extent if an employee is not feeling well it best that he stays away from work. Remember the sole purpose of sick leave is to allow an employee time to recover after they've been ill. Essentially unless an employee is abusing the sick leave system management should avoid making a big issue of it. It simply cannot be stressed enough just how crucial it for management to fully understand the principles concerning managing absence amongst the workforce.
And ultimately it important to distinguish between legitimate absences those that may be less than legitimate. In general two thirds of employee sick days are based on an actual sickness. However 1 3 of sick days are taken flippantly.
Because an excessive amount of sick days can have a devastating effect on a company's productivity management has no option but to address the problem should any employee be taking advantage of the company's sick leave policy.
Joseph Michaels is an independent writer who concentrates on business topics. For further information about managing absence in the workplace wellbeing4business. co. uk audit why not call Wellbeing 4 Business wellbeing4business. co. uk Managing Absence in the Workplace