Business Background
A notable challenge facing this organisation was the high level of short-term absences among office-based staff. This trend was significantly affecting productivity and the continuity of service provided to customers. Recognising the critical impact on business operations and customer satisfaction, the organisation sought to address this issue head-on.
The HR Challenge:
The primary challenge was the lack of a structured approach to managing short-term absences. Without an effective policy or procedure in place, the organisation struggled to monitor, address, and reduce the frequency of these absences. This oversight not only hampered productivity but also disrupted the continuity of service to customers, posing a threat to the organisation’s reputation and reliability.
How We Supported the Client through HR Support:
Upon engagement, our first step was to conduct a comprehensive review of the organisation’s existing Absence Policy. It became evident that return to work meetings were not being actively carried out, highlighting a significant gap in the absence management process. This lack of a formalised process contributed to the organisation’s inability to effectively manage and mitigate short-term absences.
To address this, we worked closely with the client to update and implement a clear and robust Absence Policy and Procedure. Key components of this revised policy included:
- Introduction of Return to Work Meetings: We established a procedure for conducting return to work meetings. These meetings served as a platform for open communication between managers and employees, enabling the identification of underlying issues contributing to absences and discussion of potential support or adjustments needed.
- Formal Process for Managing High Absence Employees: We introduced a formal process aimed at managing employees with high levels of absence. This process allowed for early intervention, providing support to employees while also holding them accountable for their attendance.
Results for the Business:
The implementation of the updated Absence Policy and Procedure yielded positive results within the first 6 months. Notably, we observed a reduction in intermittent absence by 2.4%. This significant decrease in short-term absences contributed to enhanced productivity and ensured a more consistent level of service to customers.
Transform Your Absence Management Today
Struggling with high levels of short-term absences in your organisation? It’s time to take action. At Saxon HR, we specialise in turning around absence management challenges through comprehensive policy review and implementation. Our targeted approach not only reduces absences but also boosts productivity and ensures uninterrupted service to your customers.
Don’t let absences take a toll on your business. Reach out to us for a consultation and see how we can tailor our absence management solutions to fit your unique needs. Let’s work together to create a healthier, more productive workplace.