The cost of sickness absence can be a substantial drain
on any organisation. Private sector companies average
7.8 days lost per employee per annum, while public sector
figures show more serious rates of absence at 10.2 days
lost. Even for organisations paying minimal sick pay,
the true cost of sickness absence can be greater than
is immediately apparent. Provision of temporary workers,
loss of productivity, strain on the remaining workforce,
and in extreme cases, the financial implications of ill
health retirements can sometimes lead to the total cost
being three times an initial estimate.
No management system should claim to solve an organisations
absence problems, however it should provide accurate
decision support information at the correct levels within
an organisation. Effectively managing
absence can only be achieved through collaboration
of four key areas within an organisation: Human Resources,
Occupational Health, Health & Safety and most importantly,
Line Managers, who have direct, day to day contact with
employees.
Some of the many benefits of implementing an effective
absence policy can be found here
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
carries out an annual survey on Employee Absence. A summary
of the results from July 2004 can be found here.
If you would prefer to view the complete report, it can
be found here
