REWARD MANAGEMENT
Reward programmes are key to reducing absenteeism
The key to avoiding unnecessary absenteeism is in a well-designed reward package and management programme, says Watson Wyatt.
In a web-based video interview, David Cross, a partner at Watson Wyatt, said: "Clearly employees who are incentivised through a challenging work environment, culture and reward package show improved attendance and are enthused and engaged to do their best for the company. But there is little evidence that cash bonuses for attendance are successful in isolation."
Think creatively!
According to Watson Wyatt, companies also need to think creatively about remunerating those who are absent, for example by providing a pay scheme which "drifts down gradually during absence" -- rather than going from full pay to far lower levels in large drops. Aligned with a rehabilitation programme, this would ensure employees return to work as soon as they can.
Outsourcing
Responsibility for absenteeism usually lies with line managers who too often avoid challenging employees about sensitive or medical issues. This failure to address the problem can result in enhanced absenteeism when psychological disorders, stress or discrimination issues are not tackled early enough.
"Irrespective of size, companies can justify through risk management logic outsourcing certain functions of absence management to trained experts," said David Cross.
"Outsourcing ‘ interrogation services’ by setting up designated help lines shifts the focus from line managers to medical experts. Not only does this deter malingerers, it also establishes whether employees are genuinely ill and identifies opportunities to rehabilitate."
Want to know more?The video, entitled Rewarding Conversations, can be viewed at www.watsonwyatt.com/europe/news/videos
Watson Wyatt is a global consulting firm focusing on human capital and financial management. It specialises in employee benefits, human capital strategies, and insurance and financial services. Watson Wyatt has more than 6,000 associates in 88 offices around the world. To find out more visit www.watsonwyatt.com
Posted 4 February 2005