There’s no chance that the first day of February is called National Sickie Day.the UK workplaces experience a surge in absences on this day. The number of absences in the workplace is at an all-time-high, whether it’s due to lingering winter illness, burnout or just post-January blues. Employees now take an average 7.8 days sick per year.
This is not a one-day problem for employers. It’s an issue that’s growing and has a significant impact on productivity, morale, as well as staff retention.
The legal experts at Weightmans discuss the importance of workplace mental health, and provide key strategies for businesses to support their employees while managing attendance effectively.
Retention can be improved by improving employee well-being
It is clear that there is a link between employee health and workplace attendance. Ben Daniel, Partner at Weightmans and Head of EPI, says, “The mental well-being of many employees has been affected, and workplace absenteeism has increased.” He stresses the need for employers to take proactive measures to address workplace stress, mental health, and other issues. Such measures improve overall productivity, but also employee satisfaction and retention.
How to Manage Workplace Absences Strategically
Prioritise mental health initiatives: Stress is a major contributor to employee absences. Employers must implement strategies that are focused on mental well-being. It is important to provide managers with training on mental awareness and access to mental resources.
Respect and Value Employees. Making employees feel appreciated is an effective way to discourage unnecessary sick leave. Employees can be motivated by clear communication about the importance of each role, and how they contribute to the organization’s goals. Employees who feel valued are also more likely to give positive feedback.
Keep accurate records: Maintaining accurate documentation of sick leave is essential for effective absence management. When handling sensitive health data, it is important to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation. These data help to understand patterns and address them proactively.
Conduct return-to-work interviews: These are crucial for reconnecting to the employee after their absence and understanding any issues that they may be facing. A sympathetic approach in these interviews can foster trust and be crucial in identifying factors that contribute to absences.
Legal Perspectives on Employee Responsibilities
Legally, employers are required to provide a healthy work environment. It is important to understand the challenges that employees face both at work and outside of it, and adjust workplace policies accordingly.
Ben Daniel explains that “finding a way to enhance the flexibility of your workplace can help reduce the negative impact of the cost-of-living on your employees.” This flexibility could include remote working, flexible hours or support for mental illness days. These can all significantly relieve stress among employees.
The original version of this article National Sickie Day – Record workplace absences highlight the urgent need for employers to act appeared first on Human Resources News.
