Absenteeism is an issue that employers must deal with all year round. However, absenteeism tends to increase during certain times of the year such as holidays and during the summer. The reasons for attendance issues during the summer are numerous.
Employees struggling with asthma may experience greater respiratory distress during the summer months and have to take time off from work as a result. Employees with children may have to take time off if their childcare plans fall through. The warm weather and sunny days also act as a lure. The sunshine may tempt some employees to take a long weekend or call in sick even if they are in perfect health.
If employers notice an increase in summer absences, they may be at a loss for how to handle the issue. Below are several suggestions to help combat summertime absenteeism.
1. Employees who are uncomfortable in the office will lack motivation to come to work. Employers should make sure that working conditions are excellent by checking the air conditioning, lighting, and so on. Keeping employees comfortable in the workplace goes a long way toward improving attendance.
2. Employees take summer vacations—this is nothing new. In fact, management should encourage employees to take vacations to help avoid burnout. However, employers should also keep the remaining staff in mind when approving leave. Other employees have to take on their absent coworker’s workload. Employers should encourage staff members to prioritize their work. The less important tasks can wait until their coworker returns.
3. Turn absence management over to managers and supervisors. Because these individuals work closely with their teams, they will notice attendance problems sooner than an employer will. This allows employers to address absenteeism when it first begins rather than letting it get out of hand.
4. Consider flexible work options. Allowing employees to adjust their work hours or to work from home a certain number of days per week can help them maintain their work-life balance during the summer months. For example, allowing an employee to start and end their workday an hour earlier may give them the time they need to pick their child up from their care provider.
5. Implement a rewards program. Negative consequences and disciplinary actions can only go so far toward improving attendance. Positive reinforcement provides a much greater incentive. For example, employees with perfect attendance for the month can enter their name into a prize drawing. Some prize examples include a gift card for dinner for two at a local restaurant, a day at the spa, or movie tickets.
Actec understands employers need effective solutions for absenteeism. To discuss implementing absence management solutions that work, contact us today.
