Employers and management consultants claim that flexibility and creating a positive work environment go a long way toward easing the burden of absenteeism. Absenteeism hits these small companies the hardest. Someone has to take up the slack, and in many cases it's the owner who does that. Absenteeism costs small businesses big money. But that figure only covers direct payroll costs.
Absenteeism also results in overtime pay for other employees and hiring temporary employees.
Healthy living Fortunately, companies can reduce those costs without spending a lot. The most effective at reducing unscheduled absences are flexible scheduling and compressed work weeks, according to the CCH survey. Victoria Braden of Braden Financial Services Inc. implemented flexible scheduling at her employee-benefits company, and claims flexibility is key in companies where the majority of the work force is salaried. People are welcome to take work home and work out of the office. Flexibility is the key.