Absenteeism

There are times when absenteeism and tardiness are valid and unavoidable.  But what happens when these “unavoidable” issues arise frequently?  They can be a sign of burnout or lack of motivation, or other warning signs.

What should you do about absenteeism and tardiness?

First, don’t paint them all with the same brush.  If you have an employee who’s suddenly having an issue getting to work on time, pull them aside and ask if there’s something that could require an adjustment.  Let them know you’ve noticed their inability to arrive on time and that this is an issue but be open to listen if they have something going on and see if something can be changed, at least temporarily.

There are times in life when changing the start by 15 minutes can make a big difference in someone’s well-being and if you have the flexibility for that, why not?

If an employee is staying up too late or just can’t get organized in the morning or if they have a position that requires them to be in at a specific time, make sure they understand why it’s an issue and what the consequences are if the behavior continues.  Be clear and document the conversation.

If you have an employee who’s constantly calling in at the last minute or has issues planning ahead, talk with them, also, explaining how this affects their job and the organization and clearly lay out the consequences. 

Allowing some employees to flex their time and not others can cause resentment and frustration within an organization.  But make sure you’re being fair and considering life circumstances when possible to support your staff's mental health. 

Changes in schedules can be signs of burnout or lack of motivation so make sure you’re considering the possibilities if there is something that can be done. Don’t let your frustrations block you from potential solutions that can be helpful to you and your staff.

#positivity #management #hrconsultant #absenteeism

Failure to arrive to work on time can be a sign of burnout or something else. Don't just ignore it.