Turn Absenteeism into Presenteeism

Over the years we have seen many studies that estimate unscheduled absences cost a company $2650 - $3600 per employee per year.  Absenteeism in a manufacturing environment can be even more costly.  Safety managers have told us that absenteeism is a big cause in the increased number of incidents of injury or accidents in the workplace.  New and substitute workers just haven’t developed the safety skills that the veteran employees have. 

Absenteeism also carries numerous other indirect costs such as low productivity; disengaged, frustrated  and unhappy employees who come to work and have to carry  the heavier workload of those absent; poor customer service; lower respect for management who put up with the absenteeism; the time it takes to find replacements; the cost of part-time employees and others.

Considering all of the above, doesn’t taking a proactive approach to encourage good attendance make good business sense?  Decreasing absenteeism by even a small percentage can mean significant numbers on the bottom line.  But when companies plan to implement an employee attendance program they often focus on consequences and penalties that are associated with poor attendance.  Exposing these results of poor attendance is important, but there is more value in reinforcing good behaviors than in punishing bad ones. 

You don't want your employees feeling as if they should be paid extra for doing their job.  This is the main reason that many companies would prefer to use an award other than cash.  These programs should also be implemented over a shorter period than long term.  They should never  appear to be an entitlement.  But you do want your people to know that you appreciate and respect their positive attendance. Rewarding for being present can be just as effective for improving absenteeism as penalizing them for noncompliance.  Rewards and recognition for positive employee attendance can make a difference.

Communications is Key

Changing your communication message from Absenteeism to Presenteeism will allow you to focus on all the things that are positively affected by everyone being on the job on time.  If you have any type of employee profit sharing it wouldn’t be very difficult to show the increases in profits that come from dedicated staff always in attendance.  This simple exercise alone has motivated many companies to implement a successful Presenteeism program. 

Having special communication events linked to the program can also add to the fun.  Breakfasts served by the executive staff, luncheons with the CEO for perfect attendance employees in the first month; a special part of the employee newsletter or on company social media can keep the program top of mind. 

Maybe most important, don’t forget a personal heart felt “Thank You” to those who show up on time day in and day out.  Those habits need to be recognized.