Absenteeism is something that should be closely monitored in order to lessen the levels. If an employee calls in sick often, it is time to start being proactive and begin questioning why.
Absence from work is perfectly okay, if the employee has a valid reason. Being genuinely ill or having an unforeseen circumstance occur are most common reasons as to why an employee is absent from work.
However, when matters turn worse and an employee develops a long-term illness, there are steps to be taken to deal with it compassionately and professionally. If an employee is aware they will need a certain amount of time off, one thing to be considered is whether a temporary replacement is necessary. In some situations, staff may be able to handle the workload, however, in others, an extra pair of hands may be required. Keep into consideration that if a temporary worker is employed, they will need adequate training first, which may be time consuming to the business, therefore, counteractive.
Generally, society today is healthy and time off work for illness is positively low. Mental health is becoming widely more recognised and talked about, therefore, when required, a manager suggesting therapy for an employee may be beneficial.
For those employees who seem to have a pattern of days they call in sick, there needs to be action taken. Firstly, a manger putting themselves in their employees’ shoes and see if they can understand why they would not want to be in work.
The next step would be to have a one on one between a manager and employee to gain an understanding of how the employee feels. There may be certain aspects of their job or difficult work relationships which are causing the employee to feel stressed or unhappy. If this is the case, it is time for a change.
