Managing Absence at Work - alternative approaches

A number of employers are now taking a more radical approach to work absence. Most of the schemes are under trial at present, the common features are:

Employees are no longer entitled to sick pay for the first three days.
In place of three day absence payment employees are given extra holiday.
Absence within the first three days then counts against holidays.
On return to work after absence employees are interviewed by a dedicated absence manager rather than line supervisor.

Other approaches include offering employees limited flexible working hours. These have the advantage of giving employees more flexibility to take time off for appointments provided they make the time up during their working week.

Some organisations have introduced 'Well being' programmes, this links health advice to subsidised health club membership and the availability of stress counselling. For an example of such an approach see Vielife link right.

Whatever approach employers decide to take it is recommended that staff are fully involved in decision making. Most employees do not take sick time unless they are really ill. Often they are just as annoyed as the employer when they have to cover for absent colleagues.