Why you should invest in training

Companies that invest in absence management training for line managers and take a more proactive approach to managing sickness are likely to see a reduction in staff absence, according to a UK-wide survey by manufacturing organisation EEF.

The survey claims 40% of companies which trained their managers in absence management reported a fall in all levels of sickness absence, compared to 26% where no such training had been made.

The poll revealed that 88% of companies now have a written policy on absence management and 34% of managers receive training in managing long-term sickness absence, up from 28% in 2005.

The biggest loss arising from sickness absence was a fall in productivity, the research claims, cited by almost nine in 10 respondents. This was followed by sick-pay, which 80% claimed was the second biggest expense.

Overall the number of days lost to sickness decreased by 0.1% to 3% from 2005, the equivalent of 6.7 days per employee. When compared to the figures for 2004, which showed an average of 8.08 days per person, the downward trend is evident.

But despite this the EEF claims significant barriers still need to be overcome if figures are to fall further, with the research suggesting 40% of companies believe GP and employee resistance to rehabilitation is preventing further reductions, as well as the limited capacity of the NHS to provide treatment.

“Those manufacturers who invest in training their staff are continuing to reap the benefits of a pro-active approach to absence management,” said Professor Sayeed Khan, chief medical adviser at the EEF.

“However, despite this investment significant barriers remain and all parties need to make a step change to promote a culture of rehabilitation in the workplace,” he added. “We know that the Royal College of GPs is looking at training GPs in work and health, but the issue of NHS waiting lists remains to be addressed.”

Almost half of all companies claimed the most common causes of long-term staff absence were surgery or medical tests, followed by back problems (45%) and stress (33%).