Magazine |
Employees propose solution to absence problem

A radical solution has been offered by respondents to a survey which explored the ongoing issue of unscheduled absence. The survey indicated that some 20% of full time salaried employees admitted to calling in sick in order to enjoy a day off. Yet when pressed, the respondents offered several solutions which, they said, would make it less likely for them to call in sick.

Among their ideas was to establish a ‘Summer Friday’ giving staff the opportunity to work reduced hours on Fridays and make up the time during the week. Some 62% of employees agreed this would act as an effective deterrent. Thirty per cent said more paid leave would help and 26% said introducing a ‘duvet day’ policy would prevent them from taking unscheduled absence; a further 26% said they would like the opportunity to purchase additional holiday days.

Simon Macpherson, senior director business development and operations of Kronos UK, which conducted the research, said: ‘Employers ought to be considering the introduction of flexible working policies to help eradicate unauthorised absence in the workplace.’

There are often spikes in absences the company which the company explained was more often than not something which occurs during sporting events. As the World Cup approaches, 58% of respondents think it would be a good idea for employers to introduce some flexibility to allow staff to watch matches.


17/02/10