Absence Management

An Absence Management Model – this section identifies a simple model for managers to apply when dealing with absenteeism

Defining Absence – the text book definition will help learners clearly understand what is meant by absence

Types of Absence – unravelling the different types of absence and distinguishing between absence and leave

Classifying Absence – by classifying types of absence, the learner can begin to get a steer on how to manage it

Statistics – identifying the real cost of absence and looking at regional and sector differences

Reasons for Absence – considering the high-level issues that have an impact on absence, like culture and job design

Causes of Sickness – here the national league tables of sickness causes are discussed, giving the learner the chance to reflect on their own team or company

Absence Management – Stage 1 – contracts, policies, procedures and legal entitlements are all examined here, to allow learners to get a grasp of what they have to know to

Absence Management – Stage 2 – record keeping, costing absence and benchmarking provide the chance for analysis and understanding in the context of the learner’s own organisation

Absence Management – Stage 3 – setting out the skills and interventions that managers need to apply in the effective management of absence, including: communication, professional advice, workplace issues and return to work interviews

Traditional Approaches – an examination of performance management, sick pay, discipline, recruitment and selection and how these can lend themselves to effective absence management

Reducing Absenteeism – through less traditional approaches, looking at ‘carrots and sticks’, targets, employee assistance, unusual initiatives and organisational culture.

Recent Developments – considering the impact of ‘fit notes’ and potential pandemics.