Absence management is a popular employee leave management strategy used by companies to curb excessive leave. Contrary to popular belief, it's not about discouraging employees from taking leave, but rather assisting them in dealing with the reasons that lead to leave. The goal is to help them return to work healthy, satisfied, and productive.

Why Should Organizations Have an Absence Management Strategy?

While leaves are important for employees to recharge and address personal needs, organisations can't afford unplanned absences that disrupt productivity and impact business growth in the long run. However, penalising employees for taking leave isn't the answer. There needs to be a middle ground where both parties can agree and work together to ensure important personal needs are met without affecting company productivity. This is where absence management comes into play.

Absence management focuses on reducing excessive absenteeism through various measures. These include:

  • Flexible work arrangements.
  • Minimizing or equally sharing workload among team members to prevent feelings of being overworked.
  • An HR policy that emphasizes employee health and well-being alongside productivity goals helps ensure minimal absenteeism at work.

Things to Consider While Formulating an Absence Management Policy

When formulating an absence management policy, companies should ensure it covers various aspects of the employee lifecycle. Here are some key considerations:

  • Clear Attendance Policy: Every new employee should be informed about the attendance policy they need to adhere to. This policy should be easily accessible to the team via the employee management software the company uses.
  • Recognition for High Performance: Rewarding employees with good attendance records and strong performance is a great way to show appreciation for their efforts. Companies can consider various methods, such as monetary incentives, awards, and recognition programs.
  • Employee Wellness Initiatives: Organizations can significantly curb absenteeism by implementing various employee wellness programs. Examples include gym memberships, annual medical checkups, and the provision of mental health resources. Promoting a healthy work-life balance and addressing employee well-being can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce.