HR managers should anticipate increased absenteeism during major sporting events like the Six Nations.
- The 2015 Six Nations has already commenced, prompting a potential rise in employee sick days.
- Different companies adopt varied strategies to handle absenteeism stemming from such events.
- Evaluating the cost implications of absenteeism is crucial for businesses.
- Modern absence management systems offer significant advantages over traditional spreadsheet methods.
With the arrival of the 2015 Six Nations, businesses are warned of the usual uptick in absenteeism linked to major sporting events. The opening match saw Wales and England in a competitive stand-off at the Millennium Stadium, marking the beginning of increased employee absences as fans either celebrate excessively over the weekends or extend their leisure time.
Companies face these challenges with varying strategies. Some firms take a strict disciplinary approach to manage unexcused absences, possibly issuing warnings or taking further action. On the other hand, some organisations opt to accommodate such behaviours, fostering improved long-term employee relations.
A pressing concern for businesses is quantifying how much absenteeism impacts their financial bottom line. Conducting an analysis of annual leave costs can offer insights into the financial strain posed by unscheduled absences, potentially altering management approaches significantly.
Traditional spreadsheet methods often fall short in effectively managing absence data. In contrast, newer systems, such as Activ Absence—a cloud-based tool—enable HR managers to oversee and assess the effects of both planned and unforeseen absences more efficiently.
According to Adrian Lewis from Codel Software, such technology provides essential support to companies by highlighting the implications of absenteeism. Activ Absence, specifically, offers a more seamless process for monitoring these events, requiring minimal training and featuring user-friendly interfaces. Moreover, the system includes the benefit of a tailored cost-benefit analysis for businesses without additional charges.
In light of the Six Nations, companies must tactically address absenteeism to minimise costs and maintain productivity.