How to reduce employee absenteeism

Employee absences are stressful for everyone who is involved. They negatively affect that person’s performance and can have a dramatic effect on the culture of the team or company. Those employees who are often absence aren’t able to be productive. Surrounding employees watch offending employees miss work and lose confidence in management. Additionally, they’ll become frustrated with the offending employee, and even let themselves become resentful and fall into similar habits. Before the manager knows it, she’s lost complete control over her entire team and can no longer expect anyone to at work when they say they will be… and it all stemmed from one employee who is “always out” or “always late.” Here are out 3 ways to reduce employee absenteeism.

Attendance Policy

An attendance policy starts your employees off on the right attendance path, leading to accountability for their missed shifts. Companies that clearly define their policy including expectations of their employees as well as management in the case of an absence often see immediate results. Employees that continue to arrive for their shifts as scheduled will ultimately create a positive domino effect on other employees attendance records.

Hold employees accountable

An attendance policy is a great place to start when holding your employees accountable for their unplanned absence. There are times when a great disconnect occurs between management and employees and accountability becomes relaxed. Even though your policy states the attendance policy, it is difficult to keep your employees on track when they believe you will not hold them accountable. Your attendance policy should also include a plan of action when an employee calls out of work. Clear guidelines of what is expected of your employees is key.

Health and stress management

Employees who are able to manage their stress typically see a boost in their overall health. Health plays a large part in employee absenteeism. Absences due to illness can be prevented by taking steps to ensure your employees are healthy physically and mentally. Offering employees a place to take their breaks and their lunches and ensuring the employees take advantage of these times will provide them time to destress. Encouraging behaviors that promote healthy living will also minimize call outs.

Stress that the office is a team player culture

Employees who feel like no one has their back at work are much more likely to have increased absences, and perhaps even become a no-show. 

It's important that employers not only maintain a team player culture, but show employees and managers how to be a team player at work.