Companies Need Good HR Policies to Manage Sick Leave

MEDIA ADVISORY

Employees More Likely to Call in Sick At Easter Time
 
As public holidays approach, businesses must have robust policies and stick to their guns to prevent non legitimate sick leave.
 
Perth-based Human Resources expert Jayne Griffiths said that with the Easter and Anzac day weekends on consecutive weeks some employers will struggle to make staff turn up to work.
 
“With many staff having already booked annual leave on these days, if a further 20 percent of the workforce calls in sick, the business may be left inoperable,” she said.

“Full time employees are entitled to 10 days personal leave per year, but this is only to be used in cases of genuine sickness or personal care for family members.”
 
“There is a long standing culture of entitlement to sick leave, with employees expecting that they can use it when they wish.  This culture needs to be addressed.”
 
Mrs Griffiths has these tips for companies to reduce unnecessary sick leave:
 
·      Have a clear personal leave policy
 
·      Communicate the policy
 
·      Help employees feel a sense of responsibility so they know they will be missed if they don’t turn up
 
·      Plan for leave in advance with the whole team
 
·      Enforce the policy, call out those who abuse sick leave
 
The 2013 Absence Report by Direct Health Solutions estimates that 88 million days are lost to sick leave in Australia, costing the economy $27.5 billion per year.
 
Employers who want more information about how to manage their sickness absence can download a free Guide to Managing Sick Leave from http://www.myhradviser.com.au/manage-sickness-absence-wa/
 
 
About Jayne Griffiths
 
Jayne Griffiths is the Owner of My HR Adviser, a Human Resources Consultancy providing HR support to small and medium businesses.  With more than 20 years experience with large and small employers, Mrs Griffiths is a leading expert in Human Resources and People Management.
 
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Contact Information

Jayne Griffiths

Owner/Director

My HR Adviser Pty Ltd

jayne.griffiths@myhradviser.com.au