With the latest research from the CBI finding* that the UK economy lost 21 million days during 2006 due to employee sickness, Bibby Financial Services is urging recruitment owners and managers to consider staff well-being at the core of their business strategy.
David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services, said: ìThe impact of the average UK employee taking seven days sick leave a year*, can have a significant impact on an organisations productivity, particularly a small business where one person being absent can cause a significant dip in resources and subsequent profits.
ìThe phrase ëprevention is better than cureí comes to mind. Businesses that review staff well-being and take steps to provide a happy, healthy and positive working environment are less likely to find themselves with high absenteeism levels and a depleted bottom line.î
In order to help owners and managers build a positive working environment, Bibby Financial Services has developed the following tips:
Communication is key ñ open and regular communication and feedback creates a positive, supportive environment where employees feel able to share their thoughts and concerns and gain a sense of involvement in the direction of the business while feeling part of a team.
Create trust ñ by creating a culture of trust, employees feel empowered and confident to make decisions. Accept that mistakes are an everyday part of business life and avoid a blame culture by acknowledging this.
A skilled workforce ñ review staff development procedures and training provisions. Encouraging employees at all levels to learn new skills will keep them interested and motivated in their work and will help to build a good team atmosphere and morale.
Create a career path ñ work with employees to identify their career path and plan their progression within the business. If employees are happy with their career and clear on where they are heading, they will be less likely to look elsewhere or loose enthusiasm for their role.
Be flexible ñ consider how flexible working practices could be implemented in your business. Employees with families are less likely to take time off and could potentially stay longer with a company that takes into account family and personal needs.
Provide incentives ñ review incentive schemes and introduce a programme for your employees. This provides you with the opportunity to reward employees for their hard work and commitment and motivates them to do well, increasing productivity.
Celebrate successñ make all employees aware of any successes within the company. Praising those responsible gives employees a greater sense of self worth and achievement and makes them feel part of the team.
Take time out ñ social events are excellent in letting employees get together in a less formal setting to build team spirit. Also consider introducing a longer lunch hour or early leaving time on Friday or starting a prize for the best ëquote of the weekí suggestion.
Robertson concluded: ìWhile staff absenteeism is undoubtedly a challenge and sometimes beyond the control of the owner or manager in question, by creating a healthy and positive working environment, employees are less likely to take days off sick when they should be in the office. Even by minimising staff absenteeism levels by a few days a year could have a major impact on business productivity, particularly for smaller business with fewer members of staff.î
---------------------------------------------------------------------
* CBI UK absenteeism research, April, 2007
Healthy employees = healthy profits
Bibby Financial Services is urging recruitment owners and managers to consider staff well-being at the core of their business strategy.
