With so much talk about the importance of children attending school, it can be easy to forget about the absence levels of staff. Or maybe it is easier to avoid it completely, because it can involve some difficult conversations?
The reality is that absence levels of employees have increased dramatically, which has had a significant impact on schools. This includes mounting additional costs and reduced educational performance. Team morale is also impacted, creating division and stress amongst staff, leading to a vicious cycle of even more absence.
Managing absence can mean some difficult conversations. It also means considering the health and well-being of your employees, looking at ways to support them to return to and remain in work, having risk assessments in place and ensuring reasonable adjustments have been considered.
It’s essential to have clear policies on reporting absence (no, text messages are NOT OK!), behaviour whilst
off sick (going on holiday is not allowed) and when and how formal meetings will take place. Be consistent
on how this is done and support those employees who need it. Don’t forget to tell payroll every time a staff
member is absent, otherwise you may be paying more than is needed!
Laying the foundations of good management of absence can have positive outcomes. As the new school
year starts, make this a priority for your team. For more information or to seek advice, please contact your
HR partner.