Absenteeism facts:
Absence rates have recently soared. Although there was a decrease in absence last year; average absence levels have returned back to 7.6 days per employee this year. According to the 2013 Absence Management survey by the CIPD, it is the public service sector that attains the highest absence levels with employees averaging 8.7 days of absence. This is notably higher than 2012's average which stood at 7.9 days. Employees within the manufacturing and production sector have the lowest, with only 6 days of absence per year.
How to handle Workplace Absenteeism
There are a number of ways you can reduce absenteeism within your workplace which include offering incentives and having a comprehensive attendance policy and procedure.
Offering Incentives
Offering incentives to your employees for perfect attendance can reduce absenteeism. However, do make sure the incentives offered are not so substantial that employees are rewarded for merely turning up (they are paid to be working after all!). Instead think about incentives such as allowing employees to 'cash in' unused sick days or receive an end of year bonus for a year's full attendance.
