Weathering absenteeism

Voluntary non-attendance during large events can be reduced by deploying the right technologies and altering work practices, says Paul Clark

I recently read a report from Deloitte alleging that 42 per cent of businesses across the UK expect to be faced with Usain Bolt-itis this summer as Olympic fever sweeps the nation.

Over the past few years, the UK economy has lost millions of working days in this manner every year, potentially costing us all millions of pounds.

I am talking about absenteeism.

In response to this potential epidemic, business may be taking steps to lessen the impact. Many, I believe, are installing TVs in their offices. Some have said they plan to review holiday policies during the period, and others are considering offering flexi-time working during the 17-day event.

What’s more, on the majority of occasions where “sickies” have been taken, a few hours’ leeway would usually have prevented the absence. In the case of the Olympic Games, people are likely to want to see a specific event. However, without in-office flexibility, some employees are prepared to sacrifice entire working days to watch their favourite athletes - even though the event itself may take only a couple of hours.

The issue of enabling more flexible working practices goes far beyond the Olympics. For example, tube strikes cause a great deal of inconvenience. More fitting, perhaps, is the threat of disruption relating to snow and ice. Worst-case scenarios see public transport grinding to a halt and roads being closed as salt reserves run out, causing people to struggle to make it into work. In previous years, transport disruption caused by winter weather events has cost a great deal of money.

However, things seem to be changing for the better. Many businesses have already equipped their staff with technologies that support flexible working, such as unified communications technologies, laptops, and mobile phones. This can help employees to work away from the office, and minimise the impact events such as the Olympic Games or bad weather might have on their business.

I am seeing employers finally taking the initiative and deciding what measures need to be taken to reduce the impact of absenteeism on their business, rather than waiting until such events are already upon us, when it is too late. All too often, we see businesses brought to a near standstill as a result of unexpected events. These slowdowns are even more frustrating because they are avoidable.

There are still many businesses that have not taken any such steps. Tough times lie ahead, and deciding not to support employees’ desire to work flexibly may affect profitability now and in the future. The channel, of course, can help here.

Paul Clark is director for the UK and Ireland at Plantronics