Sickness absence: The Jelf Group publishes report on addressing the problems
A new report on the effects of absenteeism on UK businesses has identified four areas that need to be addressed to tackle the growing problem.
Healthcare consultancy The Jelf Group published the report following a discussion forum involving representatives from major plc companies, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Institute of Directors.
The report calls for four lines of action to help reduce the cost of absence to the economy. First, line managers need more training in reporting absence. Second, real-time monitoring of absence from day one needs to be assured. Third, data capture should be key to ensuring HR professionals can identify bottom line business benefits in controlling absence. And fourth, emerging products and services onto the corporate healthcare market should help manage absenteeism better.
Latest figures from the Confederation of British Industry show absenteeism is costing UK businesses over £11.6 billion each year. Jelf intends to take these key points forward to establish a best practice policy for firms to follow.
"Absenteeism has a direct impact on a company's bottom line, and yet only 25% of British businesses calculate this cost," said Peter Elliott, managing director of Jelf Corporate Healthcare. "Many companies have mechanisms in place such as an employee assistance programme and medical and income protection schemes, but regard them more as an employee benefit scheme than valuable tools to manage absenteeism and help people return to work."
Research from income protection provider UnumProvident claims that the cost of sickness absence for UK employers could be cut by up to 50% if more effective absence management processes were developed. A recent survey conducted by the insurer also revealed that 78% of small to medium-sized firms have never calculated the cost of sickness absence to their business.
Joanne Hindle, corporate services director for UnumProvident, said early intervention was key to lowering costs. "Our experience has shown that one of the best indicators of long-term absence is frequent spells of short-term absence. Early intervention in the case of repeated minor absences for medically subjective or undiagnosed complaints is critical in reducing long-term absence," she said.
