7 ways of reducing employee absenteeism

Employee absenteeism can take a toll on an organization large or small. It affects productivity and subsequently revenues. The sad thing is most employers do not actively measure the rate at which employees are absent and also the contributing factors. Employees do not just decide not to report to work unless there are factors internal or external that contributes to absenteeism. Office stress has been cited as a top contributing factor. For an organization facing increased rates should first investigate the underlying reasons and then come up with an effective plan of reducing the hurting behavior. In this article, however, we will discuss few steps on how to reduce employee absenteeism.

Reduce stress

According to a report by The American Psychology Association in 2013, the workplace was reported to be the biggest source of stress. The study focused on 1950 American employees. You should put measures in place on how to address stress. Stressed employees will most definitely be unproductive and miss work often. Consider hiring an in-house consultant to help your employees deal with stress. You will increase productivity and at the same time reduce absences.

Offer rewards for good attendance

Your Human Resource personnel should have an attendance record for all employees. Reward those employees who have a perfect attendance record. With an incentive in place, few employees will miss work unless something extremely important has forced them to. Also, include attendance in the annual performance appraisal and let them understand that it will contribute to assessing the employee of the year. People are competitive in nature, and they will make sure that they are listed among the best performing employees at the end of the year.

Be supportive

Sometimes an employee can miss work not because of office related issued but rather challenging personal issues. Establish EAP programs that will help the employees cope with personal problems. It will also add a sense of being valued and that as an employer you care about their well-being. Show empathy, and they will feel comfortable to utilize the office support processes instead of opting to skip work to deal with a problem alone.

Utilize technology

Technology has come to make life simple. With innovative gadgets such as a modern employee time clock can help you manage your employees. OnTheClock is one gadget that can let your employees know their productivity, and attendance is being monitored. Your employees can utilize the software to manage their work, attendance, payroll from their mobile phones. They will rarely miss work since they have to punch in their attendance when they report to work.

Have scheduled leave and time off

Most companies fail to give leave days and time off to their employees. As an employer, you have to understand that your employee has a life outside the office and would need some time to themselves. Plan when the employees will take leave on a rotational basis to maintain productivity. The employees will, in turn, plan their errands to coincide with the leave days hence minimizing the occasions when they are off work and is unplanned.

Team building and motivation

The workplace as we have established can be very stressing. There can also be cases of employee conflict which can contribute to some employees missing out on work. Organize team building activities to help the employees bond and iron out their conflicts. These team building activities should also boost morale; reduce stress, fatigue, and burnout. Also, remember to come up with motivation techniques. The office should be a place where employees feel welcome, happy and a sense of belonging. If they do not exude these feelings from a place where they spend almost half of their days will lead to absenteeism.

Draft attendance policy

Every employee should know that there is a formal expectation towards attending. In the policy also include what steps will be taken for gross absenteeism. You could reprimand the employee, form basis of their dismissal. Let the employees understand that unauthorized absenteeism is not acceptable. Employees abide by company policy. However, also let them understand that the policy does not curtail their right to attend to personal matters if they are pressing. You are also human, and you can have a leeway.