The winter sickness season is fast approaching. However, burnout rates among employees are also increasing, as reported in reports that state the number of sick days taken by British employees has increased 34% from 2019.
Timetastic teamed up with Dr. Claire Merrifield a GP at Selph and medical director to identify six red flags that you should be aware of as an employer and employee.
Oliver Higenbottam explains how employers need to rethink the way they track and manage absences. Data is your friend when sick leave rates are on the rise. It will not only allow you to improve operational efficiency but also demonstrate genuine concern for your employees. This balanced approach will ultimately lead to a healthier, more productive and engaged workplace.
6 patterns of sick leave that may be cause for concern
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Sporadic Sick Leave
Dr Merrifield stated: “Frequent absences for short periods of time usually indicate either one or both.” Either a string of real illnesses or dissatisfaction at work. Although sick leave may indicate that your employee is unhappy with their job, it is important to believe that they are truly ill.
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Weekend flu
Dr Merrifield says: “Someone who suffers from burnout, stress or anxiety may find it more difficult to get up on Monday than they do other days. They may also be so tired by Friday that all they need is a rest.”
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Comedown crash
Dr Merrifield says: “I believe that post-holiday and post-payday absenteeism could be concerning to an employee who is not happy or fulfilled at their job. If you’re concerned about the employee, I recommend having a compassionate discussion with them.
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Cracks for crunch time
Dr Merrifield says: “High rates of sick leave during busy times suggest that someone cannot cope with the workload.” It may be an intentional decision by the employee, or they may be more susceptible to becoming sick during busy times due to stress that affects immunity or makes them more susceptible to migraines .”
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Total team Takedown
Dr Merrifield stated: “If several employees are taking sick leave at the exact same time, it could be due to an infectious disease. This is especially true if they work in close proximity or commute. If it is not an infection, it could indicate a toxic workplace culture. Employers should probe to find out what’s going on .”
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From diligent and distracted
Dr Merrifield says: “An employee who was previously diligent but suddenly begins taking sick leave is a red flag. An early conversation with a trusted colleague in a private space can help identify issues.”
What patterns should employers be tracking?
Oliver says: “Ideally, employers should review data monthly and quarterly to identify emerging trends. This allows managers to identify any issues as early as possible, such long-term patterns or seasonal variations. They can also correlate these with factors like project deadlines and organisational changes. This can be a time-consuming process, so employers need to invest in technology that will help them navigate the ever-changing world of sick leave .”.
How should employers talk to employees about sick leave?
Dr Merrifield advises: “If a pattern of excessive sick leave is noticed, it’s crucial to have an open and honest conversation with the employee.” This conversation should be based on trust, and not question the employee’s integrity.
It’s important for employers to understand whether there’s dissatisfaction or a toxic workplace culture. This will affect many employees. Understanding the company culture will also help you to attract the best talent.
HR news published the first version of this article 6 shocking patterns of sick leave that employers should be aware of.
