What is it?
Absence management refers to the policies, procedures, and practices that organisations use to monitor, track, and manage employee absences, whether planned (such as vacations, medical leave, or maternity leave) or unplanned (such as sick days, emergencies, or personal leave). This system typically involves the use of software or HR tools to track absenteeism and ensure compliance with company policies and labour laws.
Why is it important?
- Maintaining Productivity: By managing employee absences effectively, companies can ensure minimal disruption to operations and maintain productivity levels.
- Cost Control: Absence management helps organisations control costs associated with unplanned absences, such as overtime payments for covering shifts or lost productivity.
- Employee Well-Being: Effective absence management ensures employees can take necessary time off for health or personal reasons while also ensuring the organisation is prepared for those absences.
- Compliance: Properly managing absences helps organisations comply with employment laws and regulations regarding sick leave, parental leave, and other mandatory time off.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Absence tracking provides data on patterns of absenteeism, allowing employers to address underlying issues, such as burnout or disengagement.
Where to find out more:
- Books:
- "Absence Management: A Practical Guide" by Professor Stephen Bevan and Cary Cooper provides an in-depth look at managing employee absence effectively.
- Online Resources:
- SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) offers articles, case studies, and tools on absence management best practices.
- CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) provides guidance on absence management strategies and legal considerations
- HR Software Providers: Companies like ADP, BambooHR, and Kronos offer tools for tracking and managing employee absences.
- Associated Articles:
- "Effective Absence Management Strategies for a Healthy Workforce" – SHRM
- "How to Manage Employee Absenteeism and Reduce Costs" – HR Daily Advisor
- "Best Practices for Absence Management in the Workplace" – CIPD
- "Using Technology to Improve Absence Management" – Forbes
