Effective Methods Of Getting People Back To Work And Cutting Down On Absenteeism

Nov. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Here Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula Business Services, highlights methods of getting staff who are sick back to work and pro-active techniques to prevent absenteeism in the first place; “Absenteeism is a major issue in the workplace and one that costs employer’s across the UK thousands of pounds every year. In this current economic climate, all businesses need to be able to run at full capacity in order to keep productivity levels as high as possible, so it really is vital to have your staff staying fit and healthy. It is inevitable that some employee’s will fall sick and have time off, yet the key is to minimise the risk of this happening repeatedly in your workplace.”

•Detailed investigation’s into sickness absence is essential.
•Referral to occupational health doctor for any absence that is potentially long-term.
•Using the health doctor’s advice to provide opportunities for safe earlier return, in order for staff to carry out their normal duties.
•Make sure managers’ are more involved in their employees’ absences.
•Always undertake return to work interviews.
•Training for managers and staff in the procedures and support available – review of working practices, with regular reviews to help reduce such absences.
•Create incentives - extra day holiday or bonus for minimum absence within a 12 month period.
•Positive declaration with new recruits at their induction stage.
•Employee involvement – make sure they are fully aware of new systems and policies with regard to sickness absence. Managers should be involved and aware of any absence, this encourages the employee as they know their manager is interested in their return.
•IT programme’s that monitors employee absence.
•Flu vaccinations – preventative, cost to the business far less than potential absenteeism.
•Personal well-being/employee engagement – work-life balance, rehabilitation and treatment; physiotherapy, counselling and return to work programmes – EAP, Employee Assistance Programme, health promotion; competitive sports (internal and league football), health screening etc.
•Results show that those companies that adopt an employee engagement programme in the UK have absence levels that are 31% lower than the average levels as quoted by the CBI.
•Employees note significant improvements in their concentration and productivity at work.
•Health and safety benefits.

For more advice on how to deal with absenteeism in the workplace contact Peninsula Business Services on 0161 827 8511 or visit our website at http://www.peninsula-uk.com

Notes To Editor:
- Peninsula Business Services is the UK's largest employment law consultancy.
- Peter Done is managing director for Peninsula Business Services.
- Peninsula advises over 26,000 UK businesses on HR and Health & Safety issues.
- For further clarification please contact Sammual James McLoughlin on 0161 827 8511.
- Peninsula Business Services - http://www.peninsula-uk.com

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Peninsula Business Services is the UK's largest Employment Law and Health & Safety Consultancy. Over 25,000 businesses have integrated Peninsula to work as part of their HR and Health and Safety departments. Peninsula employs over 900 people in the UK.