The Real Reasons They Call In Sick

A survey from CCH, a legal research and analyst firm for Human Resources, finds that two-thirds of American workers who call in sick last minute do so for reasons other than sickness. These reasons include family issues (22%), personal needs (18%), entitlement mentality (13%), and stress/burnout (13%). The most frequent days people call in sick are on Monday and Friday, followed by holidays such as Christmas and three day weekend holidays. Remember that your people are often juggling work with their family obligations. We need to stop thinking in terms of a tug-of-war for their time and instead, think of how we can partner with them and be family supportive. Remember people take care of first what hurts them the most or matters to them the most! Think in terms of helping them to get what they need, and letting them help you to get what your organization needs. Think win-win for both.

Although illness verification and discipline can help in lowering absenteeism, it can backfire if employees think they must come to work when sick, spreading illness, and being unproductive. Educate your people about the dangers of coming to work when they are sick, and encourage them to stay home until well.

Supporting their life style needs (not weird stuff) includes telecommuting when possible, flex-scheduling, compressed work weeks, Employee Assistance Programs, allowing time off for family health and school problems, and possible help with day care. Paid leave banks/paid time off (a single bank of hours to be used as needed) are one of the most effective absence control programs

Absenteeism is often tied into employee morale, stress, and burnout. The more unhappy your people are, the more unscheduled days they will take off. As always, stay close to your people and keep your finger on the pulse of their morale. Remember that what Senior and Boomer generations come to work for is much different than what Gen X and Y come to work for. Why they may take off is often very different as well. What worked 20 years ago to prevent absenteeism may not work today.