Independent studies have revealed over 35% of workers are prepared to “pull a sickie”, with the vast majority citing a hangover as the real cause of their absence. However, when questioned further, 4 out of 10 revealed they would think twice about this type of behaviour if absence was tracked.
The latest CBI report on absence in the UK workplace reveals that in 2004, the total cost of absence to the economy was £12.2 billion, with concern that £1.7 billion was the result of "pulling sickies", rather than genuine ill health.
However, it is the indirect cost of absence that is the most significant and damaging. Over 80% of absence is due to short-term sickness which is extremely difficult to plan for. Short-term absence impacts on productivity, customer satisfaction levels, cost of replacement staff, ability to meet deadlines and demoralises the work colleagues who are expected to pick up the slack.
Leading Online DSE provider EssentialSkillz, has just released its Absence Management System. This software package allows absence rates to be tracked, costed and compared right across an organisation. With this data at their finger tips, senior managers and HR professionals can plan and implement effective strategies to maximise payroll efficiency through more effective monitoring and intervention.
Tony Devan, Managing Director of EssentialSkillz said, "recent surveys have highlighted the need for more effective monitoring of absence. With the new Absence Management System, an organisation can assess the financial impact this problem is having and implement effective strategies to intervene and re-design management procedure where necessary."
To request a demonstration of the system click the link below:
