With only a handful of employees, the absence of even one can have a huge impact. It can throw off production schedules and cause customer service to suffer. It means extra work for those remaining. 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.