Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Absence Management

How much does absence cost your organisation? Try our absence calculator to explore the potential savings you could enjoy with Ceridian's LifeWorks Absence Management Programme.

In April 2005, a paper published by Catherine Barham and Nasima Begum (Highbury House Communications PLC - ISSN 1361-4819) revealed the following information about absence:

Absence Management
  • The larger the organisation, the greater the levels of absence
  • Short term absenteeism (5 days or less) is a greater problem in the private sector
  • Long term absenteeism (more than 21 days) is a greater problem in the public sector
  • Long term absenteeism is where we are seeing the most growth in absence across all sectors

In addition to these broad based facts, sickness absence due to alcohol and drug misuse is estimated by the TUC to cost the UK £5 billion in lost working time and production.

A survey by Drugscope and Alcohol Concern found that:

  • 27% of employers say drug misuse is a problem at work
  • 60% have experienced problems due to staff alcohol intake

A recent survey by Ceridian reveals that companies need to exercise greater control of their home workers:

Business Practices and Attitudes Relating to Home Working - A Survey of Human Resource Professionals in UK Business.

Action on these problems is a low priority for many organisations despite the possible risks and effects on health and safety, attendance and relationships with colleagues. Managers tend to find out about alcohol and drug misuse through deteriorating work performance and most then don't know how to handle this difficult situation.

Our LifeWorks EAP is an effective tool in the management of absence - whatever the cause. We can work with you as follows:

  • Assistance with writing and implementing drug and alcohol policies
  • Advice and support for managers dealing with absence
  • Confidential help and support for employees
  • Preventative interventions such as educational seminars

Contact us today to find out how we can help manage absenteeism within your organisation.

Click here to complete our enquiry form.