Absence management training results in a reduction in absence rates

A recent study from XpertHR found that 64% of companies who sent line managers on absence management training saw an improvement in absence rates, as training gave managers the confidence to proactively tackle non-attendance. Only 10% of employers who had made use of absence management training thought it had been unsuccessful. Of those companies who saw an improvement in absence rates, 68% said they saw some reduction, while 20% said they saw a significant reduction in rates.

Training editor at XpertHR and author of the report, Charlotte Wolff, says line managers are often worried about breaching employment law, and are not necessarily ‘equipped to have sensitive conversations with team members’ regarding absence. But this report shows that training is giving line managers the skills and confidence they need to handle sickness and absence, however delicate the situation.

The survey found that absence management training typically covers return-to-work interviews, organisational policy, communicating with employees and recording absence. Less popular topics are Health and Safety Executive management standards, which help managers to be more proactive about minimising workplace stress, and the promotion of good health. However, both these areas were found to be more widely covered by companies who saw significant reductions in absence rates. Wolff says the research shows it is beneficial for line managers to understand why absence matters to their organisation and the policies and procedures that are in place to deal with it.