Safety Update

Safety Update: Managing Presenteeism

This week we explore ways of measuring and understanding presenteeism and how to manage it. This requires a major shift in focus from absenteeism statistics or lagging indicators to the leading indicators of illness and injury. The measurement needs to focus on employees to find out which people are most at risk for and mitigate those risks through corporate health and wellness initiatives.

It is important to first characterize presenteeism; what drives illness and medical conditions such as migraines, depression and allergies? Next, survey the employees to self-report their presenteeism; why do they feel the need to take time off for minor health issues? Finally, use the survey data to calculate the related productivity costs and to determine what types of illnesses are prevalent.

This measurement system will now aid a company in managing their presenteeism rates. Collecting and analyzing presenteeism trends within an organization, and using the data to manage and train the front-line supervisors and managers, will help in understanding and correcting the root causes of presenteeism. Supervisors and managers can then educate employees on how to minimize stress, deal with chronic health issues and achieve work-life balance, as a starting point. Also, better benefits program options, employee assistance programs and fitness and nutrition consultations are great ways of providing employee support within the corporate community to improve feelings of work satisfaction and commitment to their organization.

The end result of measuring and managing presenteeism- healthier, happier employees with less illness and injuries.

The Topic for September 18th, 2008: Bloodborne Pathogens

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