Understand the problem:

• Incidence - get the numbers
• Inactivity - idle machinery, lost sales
• Cost - temporary staff, supervisory time
• Understand reasons - ask why
• Stress is a major cause - linked to illness
• Dissatisfaction with job - poor working conditions or dissatisfaction with supervisor, manager

Implement a policy:

• Establish notification guidelines - agreed and communicated
• Challenging absences
• Know union position
• Educate to discourage absenteeism

Reschedule and restructure workload:

• Job sharing
• Part time
• Telecommuting - growing, can be 1-2 days per week, ideal for some people

Recognise and reward attendance:

• Pay bonus - small cash rewards, team awards
• Group all leave types - provides flexibility, reduces work/home conflicts

Creating an exciting workplace:

• What would make our workplace attractive and fun?
• Conduct focus group
• Focus on accomplishments - not just presence at work

Create a safe and healthy workplace:

• Introduce gym programs
• Stretch breaks
• Water
• Fruit
• Health and stress checks

Improve management practices:

• Communicate more - know individuals, their problems and pressures
• Encourage return to work, eg. in the afternoon
• Consult on changes