Absenteeism Thesaurus: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Employee Absences
Absenteeism, the unscheduled absence of employees from work, is a costly problem for businesses of all sizes. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), absenteeism costs U.S. businesses an estimated $225.8 billion annually. This includes the cost of lost productivity, overtime pay, and replacement workers.
Absenteeism thesaurus is a comprehensive resource that provides businesses with the tools and strategies they need to reduce employee absences. It includes:
- A list of common causes of absenteeism, such as illness, family emergencies, and transportation problems.
- Tips for preventing absenteeism, such as creating a positive work environment, offering flexible work schedules, and providing employee assistance programs.
- Strategies for managing absenteeism, such as developing an absenteeism policy, tracking employee absences, and holding employees accountable for their absences.
Effective Strategies to Reduce Absenteeism
| Strategy |
Benefits |
| Create a positive work environment |
Employees who are happy and engaged are less likely to be absent. |
| Offer flexible work schedules |
Employees who can work from home or set their own hours are more likely to be able to attend to personal matters without missing work. |
| Provide employee assistance programs |
Employees who are struggling with personal problems are more likely to be absent. EAPs can provide confidential counseling and support to employees. |
| Track employee absences |
Tracking employee absences can help you identify patterns and trends. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions to reduce absenteeism. |
| Hold employees accountable for their absences |
Employees who are not held accountable for their absences are more likely to continue to be absent. Absenteeism policies should be clear and consistent, and employees should be disciplined for excessive absences. |
Tips and Tricks for Preventing Absenteeism
| Tip/Trick |
Benefits |
| Communicate your absenteeism policy to employees |
Employees need to be aware of your absenteeism policy in order to comply with it. |
| Be flexible with employee absences |
Sometimes, employees need to miss work for unavoidable reasons. Be flexible with employee absences when possible. |
| Offer incentives for good attendance |
Employees who have good attendance records should be rewarded. |
| Recognize employees for their contributions |
Employees who feel appreciated are less likely to be absent. |
| Create a culture of wellness |
Employees who are healthy and well-rested are less likely to be absent. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake |
Consequences |
| Ignoring absenteeism |
Absenteeism can lead to serious problems for businesses if it is not addressed. |
| Treating all absences the same |
Not all absences are created equal. Some absences are unavoidable, while others are due to employee misconduct. |
| Disciplining employees too harshly for absenteeism |
Disciplining employees too harshly for absenteeism can create a hostile work environment. |
| Not communicating with employees about absenteeism |
Employees need to be aware of your absenteeism policy and the consequences of excessive absences. |
Getting Started with an Absenteeism Thesaurus
- Identify the root causes of absenteeism in your workplace.
- Develop an absenteeism policy.
- Track employee absences.
- Hold employees accountable for their absences.
- Offer incentives for good attendance.
- Create a culture of wellness.
Success Stories
- Company A reduced absenteeism by 20% by implementing a flexible work schedule program.
- Company B reduced absenteeism by 15% by providing employee assistance programs.
- Company C reduced absenteeism by 10% by offering incentives for good attendance.
Additional Resources
