Absenteeism is the habitual pattern of missing work without a valid excuse. It affects not only the individual who is frequently absent but also their coworkers and the company. Businesses lose around $2,600 from unscheduled absenteeism.
As a business owner, it’s essential to know how absenteeism can negatively impact your business. Not only does absenteeism cost companies money in terms of lost productivity, but it can also lead to a decline in morale among employees who have to pick up the slack. Here are some ways absenteeism can cause your business to fail.
Productivity
When employees are out sick, productivity will inevitably suffer. This is because there are tasks that specific individuals can only complete, and when those individuals are absent, those tasks often go unfinished. In addition, even if other employees can pick up the slack, they may not be as efficient as the original employee would have been. This can lead to a decrease in the quantity and quality of work.
More Work Hours
In addition to decreased productivity, absenteeism can also lead to a decline in morale among employees who are forced to work more hours to make up for the absent employees. This is because these employees may feel they’re being taken advantage of, and their extra efforts are not appreciated. As a result, they may start looking for other employment opportunities where they won’t have to shoulder such a heavy burden.
Customer Service Fails
Finally, another potential negative consequence of absenteeism is that customer service may suffer when key employees are out sick. This is because these employees may be the only ones with the knowledge and expertise to deal with specific customer inquiries or requests. As a result, customers may become frustrated and take their business elsewhere.
As you can see, absenteeism can have several negative impacts on businesses. If you want your business to thrive, you must do everything you can to minimize absenteeism. But before anything else, you need to know why employees end up in this cycle of absenteeism. Here are five reasons why employees are absent from work.
Dental Problems
A recent study found that dental problems are the main reasons for presenteeism and absenteeism. This is because dental issues can cause severe pain and discomfort, leading to a decrease in productivity and an increase in absenteeism. In addition, employees may need to take time off for dental appointments or procedures.
One way to deal with this is by offering dental benefits. Paying a visit to the local dental office can significantly impact your employee’s dental health. In addition, they can ensure that your employees’ dental health is good enough for them to perform correctly at work.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, can also lead to an increase in absenteeism. These issues can affect employees’ ability to focus and perform at their best, leading them to take time off work. In addition, employees may need time off for therapy appointments or hospitalization.
You can deal with this by offering mental health benefits and resources. This shows your employees that you care about their well-being and want to support them in seeking help for their mental health struggles. It can also lead to a decrease in absenteeism as they can better manage their mental health.
Family Responsibilities
Family responsibilities, such as caring for a sick relative or taking care of children, can also lead to absenteeism. As a result, employees may need to take unexpected time off or use their allotted leave days in these situations.
One way to address this is by offering flexible work arrangements, such as the option to work from home on certain days. This allows employees to balance their work and family responsibilities better without taking excessive time off.
Lack of Engagement
Employees not engaged in their job may be more likely to call in sick or have frequent absences. This is because they may not feel motivated or invested in their job, leading them to prioritize other aspects of their life over work.
An intelligent way to deal with this is by increasing employee engagement. This can be done through effective communication with your employees, recognizing and rewarding them for their hard work, and providing opportunities for professional development.
Workplace Stress
Lastly, a stressful work environment can also lead to increased absenteeism. Employees may feel overwhelmed and burnt out, leading them to take time off to de-stress and recharge.
One solution is to address the root cause of this stress. This can involve improving workload management, team communication and creating a positive company culture. It’s essential to address these issues as they impact absenteeism and overall employee happiness and well-being.
Overall, managing absenteeism involves understanding its reasons and finding ways to address them. Reducing absenteeism can lead to a more productive and successful business. It can also lead to happier and more engaged employees.