Covid-19 has changed the way companies used to work. The situation has created many complications related to employee attendance.
Staff absenteeism has become frequent now. It is different from pre approved absences such as family and annual leave.
Staff absenteeism can reduce productivity and disturb business continuity. It has an impact on employers’ time and costs. It has an unfavorable effect on other staff as they have to work overtime to cope with the workload. It can lead to staff burnout, harming work and performance quality.
Managing absenteeism has become critical for the managers. So, let us see the top tips to manage staff absence during the pandemic.
Revise attendance policy
Every organization has an attendance policy. But you should revise your policy in light of the increasing absenteeism due to Covid-19. The policy should give clear guidance on the consequences of failing to follow them. Share the policy with your staff and make them understand it.
You can get the help of Timetastic’s absence management software. It allows your team to get their calendar and annual summary. They can track their absence and plan leaves ahead. The software gives a single place to manage employees’ absence within your absence.
Clarify policies
Simply creating or revising policies is not enough. Employers should focus on clarifying paid leave policies and reporting unforeseen absences. Explain to the staff that paid leave is not an automatic approval for taking off . Make clear that absence reporting coincides with paid leave policies. It helps in avoiding labor gaps.
Craft a clear policy on reporting unforeseen absences. Without its lack, employees may think that they can miss work without an explanation. It creates confusion and affects productivity. Employers should clarify when and how employees should report unexpected absences.
Support flexible working
Hybrid or remote work has been a new trend since the pandemic. Try to bring in a flexible work culture. It will help employees switch shifts among themselves. It will give them a sense of ownership and control.
A choice to work in flexible hours will encourage them to work . It is because working hours match their wellness and lifestyle. It will save time, boost employee happiness, and improve retention.
Incorporate absence management
Try to help real-time communication between managers and employees on absence requests. Check absence balances to ensure that an employee is not taking regular leaves.
Forecast future balances for all regulations and usage of planned leave. Calculate the accrual of earned time off.
Highlight employees’ roles
Employees should imagine how important their job roles are. Until then, they will not realize how missing a day at work can make a difference. As an employer, you must explain that every employee’s role is critical.
Each employee’s absence can affect company goals. Employees should realize that their lack can overburden co-workers with extra work. Thus, it has an impact on results.
Support employees
Take measures to facilitate and promote employees’ well-being. It will reduce the feeling of discontent or dissatisfaction from the employer. Appoint occupational health professionals who examine sick employees and provide them medical help.
They can also offer advice to the organization. It helps the firm to decide if an employee has to take an extended leave.
Enhance workplace morale
Take out time to recognize employees’ accomplishments and importance. It costs nothing to acknowledge their hard work and performance. A valued staff is less likely to remain absent from work without any reason. It has a beneficial impact on staff’s self-esteem and productivity.
Safe working environment
Organizations should ensure a safe working environment, especially after Covid-19. They should thoroughly clean and disinfect the workplace . Pay attention to your travel and meeting policies.
Organizations that have high travel needs should assess the epidemic’s impact. Employers should study the effect of travel on the employee. Check the updated travel guidance , review policies, and communicate with traveling employees.
Take feedback
Carry out frequent surveys for your employees to know how employees feel at work. You will get to know whether the work culture motivates them or not and have or lack the necessary support. You can also learn if they have excess work load or not.
Conclusion
Absenteeism is a significant issue that management faces during the pandemic. It is a challenge for everyone to work in the Covid-19 crisis. But using the right approach can help reduce the issue to an extent. The above tips will help you manage staff absence during the pandemic.
