Absence management is a crucial component of effective human resource management within any organisation. At its core, absence management refers to the processes and policies put in place by employers to handle employee absences.

Understanding and managing employee absence is vital for organisational effectiveness.

It encompasses both the monitoring of absences to understand patterns and trends, and the implementation of strategies to reduce unnecessary absences while supporting employee health.

The Importance of Absence Management

For most organisations, employee absence is a critical issue because it can lead to disruptions in workflow, decreased productivity, and increased costs. While most absences are legitimate, such as those due to illness or personal emergencies, it’s essential to differentiate between various types of absences to manage them effectively.

Types of Employee Absences

Absences generally fall into two categories: authorised and unauthorised. 

1. Authorised Absences: These include scheduled leaves that are pre-approved by employers such as annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, and even sicknesses, provided the employer has been informed in accordance with company policies. Authorised absences form part of the employee’s contractual rights and are accounted for within organisational planning.
2. Unauthorised Absences: These occur when employees fail to inform their employer of their inability to attend work without legitimate reasons. This type of absence can potentially lead to disciplinary actions if patterns emerge or if they go against company policies.

Causes of Absence

Understanding the causes of absence is vital for effective management. Generally, there are three primary factors influencing employee absence:

• Job Situation Factors: These include aspects related to the workplace environment and job role, such as job satisfaction, workplace relationships, and support systems.
• Personal Factors: Factors such as personal health, family responsibilities, and individual stress levels fall into this category.
• Attendance Factors: These relate to the employee’s attendance patterns and their history with absences.

Need Help with Absence Management?

Effective absence management should balance the needs of the organisation with the health and welfare of employees. If you’re facing challenges in managing absences, Tick HR Solutions can assist by providing tailored support and consultancy to help you implement a robust absence management framework.

Please download our comprehensive guide on absence management HERE.