How Wellbeing Programmes Can Reduce Absenteeism at Work
Absenteeism at work is a serious problem that costs employers billions of pounds each year. The impact of absenteeism with the business can be felt in several ways
Lost productivity of the trained employee
Increased costs of temporary staff
Reduced productivity of the temporary staff
Sick pay costs
Absenteeism can also affect the morale, performance and wellbeing of the remaining employees who have to cope with increased workloads and stress.
With the disruption and costs associated with absenteeism, establishing a wellbeing programme is one way to help address the issue.
Reducing Absenteeism At Work
One of the most effective ways to reduce absenteeism at work is to implement a wellbeing programme that supports the physical, mental and social health of employees.
A wellbeing programme can help employees prevent and manage health issues, cope with stress, improve their work-life balance and feel more engaged and valued at work.
What Is a Wellbeing Programme?
A wellbeing programme is a set of initiatives and activities that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of employees in the workplace. A wellbeing programme can cover various aspects of wellbeing, such as:
Physical health: providing health screenings, coaching, education, incentives, policies and facilities that encourage employees to adopt healthy behaviours, such as eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough and avoiding smoking and alcohol abuse.
Mental health: raising awareness, reducing stigma, providing support and resources for employees who are experiencing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression or burnout.
Social health: fostering a positive and supportive work culture, promoting teamwork and collaboration, facilitating social events and activities, creating opportunities for feedback and recognition.
Financial health: offering financial education, guidance and assistance for employees who are struggling with money issues, such as debt, budgeting or saving.
Work-life balance: enabling flexible working arrangements, providing childcare support, encouraging employees to take breaks and holidays.
How Can a Wellbeing Programme Reduce Absenteeism?
A wellbeing programme can reduce absenteeism by addressing some of the main causes and consequences of employee absence, such as:
Illness: a wellbeing programme can help employees prevent and manage chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular problems, that can lead to frequent or prolonged absences.
Stress: a wellbeing programme can help employees cope with stress and reduce its negative impact on their physical and mental health. Stress can cause or worsen various health conditions, such as headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, depression and anxiety
Motivation: a wellbeing programme can help employees feel more engaged and satisfied with their work, which can increase their attendance and performance. Employees who feel valued, appreciated and supported by their employer are less likely to take sick leave or quit their job.
Productivity: a wellbeing programme can help employees improve their productivity and efficiency at work, which can reduce the workload and pressure on their colleagues. Employees who are healthy, happy and focused are more likely to perform better and meet their deadlines
In Summary
A wellbeing programme is not only beneficial but essential for reducing absenteeism at work. By investing in employee wellbeing, employers can save money, improve productivity, enhance reputation and attract talent. A wellbeing programme is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing commitment that requires leadership support, employee involvement and continuous improvement.
At My LIfe Tonic we like to work in partnership with our clients to support colleagues throughout the year with a series of activities scheduled throughout the year
Lunch & Learn sessions
Desk yoga
'Mat Yoga'
Challenges
Wellbeing and Mental Health iniatives
Contact us if you'd like to find out more about how we can support you and your colleagues.
