People who go to work when sick could be costing their employers more than if they stayed at home – according to a new report.
‘Why do employees come to work when ill?’ says that the cost of working when ill – or sickness presence – could match or account for 1.5 times more working time lost than the cost of sickness absence, which has been estimated at around £13bn annually.
The report is published by The Work Foundation and commissioned by AXA PPP. It argues that a lack of understanding around ‘presenteeism’ means that employers are unaware of hidden costs and are missing opportunities to improve productivity along with employee health and well-being.
One issue I did not see mentioned in the summary findings is that in some sectors – and particular in parts of the public sector – sickness absence is handled in much the same way as disciplinary matters. Employees who are genuinely ill know that when they return to work their absence is likely to be challenged and repeated absence can lead to disciplinary hearings and dismissal. No wonder in these straitened times they turn up for work, whether fit to be there or not!
www.theworkfoundation.com
Visit the Fuse Learning website: http://www.fuselearning.co.uk/
You must log in to post a comment.