Strategies for Improving Attendance

Poor attendance and sick leave abuse can be expensive problems and in many offices, they can be the thorniest and most difficult to eradicate. If you have a long standing attendance problem, take action now and reduce this burden on your revenue. And if you suspect your attendance is beginning to slide, it’s a good idea to intervene quickly before the problem becomes systemic.

First, take a closer look to determine the extent of your issue. Have your managers glance around and make an informal note of who shows up every day, who doesn’t, and who comes in late and who leaves early. This will help you choose a strategy, and it may help identify some of your worst offenders.

Long Term Attendance Problems

Serious, long term attendance problems are often deeply rooted in the enigmatic world of morale. As experienced HR mangers know, morale is capricious and office culture can be difficult to change at will. There’s no proven cure for a depressing workplace, but the first step for mangers is almost always the same: pay attention. If employees are unhappy, you won’t be able to solve the problem until you find out why.

Be alert to a few red flags like hostility, boredom, or obstacles in place that prevent employees from doing their jobs well. Chronic late arrivals or early exits may also be tied to commuting issues. If employees are running out at four to catch the last train home or beat traffic gridlock, allow commuters to come in early. Let trusted employees to work from home now and then. Consider rewarding employees with the best attendance records.

Newly Developing Attendance Problems

If your attendance problem is new and growing, act now before “mental health days” become a standard part of your workplace culture. Examine all recent changes to your environment or policies, and take a closer look at recent leadership shifts. Consider the red flags listed above, and if you see any of them developing, don’t wait. Open communication channels between mangers and HR professionals to control attendance issues before they get worse.