Implementing an attendance policy and establishing repercussions for absenteeism are an essential part of running a company. However, sometimes a little positive reinforcement is necessary. If employees are unmotivated and disengaged, there are several tactics employers can take to improve the office mood.
Understanding Employee Discontent
Knowing employees are unhappy is not enough. Managers and employers need to try to understand the why. A simple way to gauge this is to conduct exit interviews. Staff members who quit did so for a reason and they may be able to provide insight. Sometimes their reasons are personal or are an issue that employers cannot fix. However, if their explanation is a solvable problem, employers should act on it right away before it causes additional staff shortages.
Employers also need to help their staff find purpose in their work. If an employee feels underappreciated or cannot see how their job affects the big picture, they will lack the motivation to come to work and perform at their best. Employers should emphasize how every staff member’s work is a vital part of the business to help them see the point of coming to work each day.
Focus on Employee Wellness
Some sick absences are unavoidable. However, encouraging healthy habits can bolster immune systems and reduce the number of sick days employees take throughout the year. For example, employers can implement a raffle program where every employee who works out four days or more per week can enter their name into a drawing. Each quarter, employers can draw one name to earn a prize. Prizes can be gift certificates to local restaurants, movie tickets, and so on.
Constructive Discussions
Trying to control or restrict time off from work can backfire. Employees may feel their boss is micromanaging them, which damages morale. Instead, employers should try to find solutions to help employees take time off when they need to. Two popular examples include offering flex schedules or the option to work from home.
Employee attendance is vital to a successful business. Employers who take steps to improve attendance through positive reinforcement may see better engagement and morale as a result as well. For more ideas on reducing absenteeism, contact the experts at Actec.