How can absence be managed?

CIPD Annual Survey Report 2007

Return-to-work interviews, the provision of employee absence data to line managers, and the use of disciplinary procedures are rated as the top three most effective approaches for managing short term absence.

The involvement of occupational health services and the provision of rehabilitation programmes and absence data available for managers are identified as the top three most effective approaches for managing long-term absence.


How can monitoring systems help?

According to Simon Macpherson, Operations Director, Kronos EMEA, “The average unscheduled sickness absence rate in the UK is 4% and the total cost of absence (including annual and legislative leave) runs at 15% of payroll costs. With a Workforce Management system, unscheduled absence can be reduced by up to 30%; saving a 5,000 employee organisation £820,000 per year. Add this to the savings from accurate payroll hours, better management of overtime, control of leave and effective scheduling and the total savings can easily exceed £2 million per year".


Independent Nucleus Research on Kronos implementation results: on

• 75% of companies found 250% ROI
• Average ROI was 469%
• Average payback was five months
• Reduction in total payroll cost was 3.0%

More: Staff absence reports