Back-pain and stress blamed as absenteeism costs small firms €793m
Tuesday August 26 2008
Small businesses in Ireland lose on average €793m a year through absenteeism, with back-pain and stress among the biggest contributors, according to a new report from the Small Firms Association.
The report shows that the national average for absenteeism is 3.5pc or eight working days. For large firms, this rises to 4.6pc or 10 working days. For small firms, the average falls to 2.8pc or six working days, it said.
Back-pain and stress are the most commonly cited problems on medical certs, the survey -- which counts certified sick days as absenteeism -- found.
It showed minor illnesses to be the most common cause for short-term, uncertified absences, while secondary causes were home responsibilities and personal problems.
Sectors
The survey also showed that most absenteeism occurred in contact centres, which averaged 14 days (6.1pc), followed by the metals/engineering sector at 11 days (5.1pc). The industry with the least amount of absenteeism was the wholesale distribution and transport sector, it said.
Cork and the South-East showed the highest levels of absenteeism, with Cork scoring on average 11 days (4.9pc) and the South-East recording nine days (3.9pc).
Avine McNally, assistant director of the SFA, said she was concerned that stress remained one of the top reasons for absenteeism.
"As aside from the employees' absence, stress can lead to a less productive workforce, faulty decision-making, and ultimately the possibility of legal action being taken against the company for negligence or constructive dismissal," she added.
Firms should implement a specific policy on workplace stress. They should educate employees on stress management, while being receptive to the potential causes of stress and the early warning signs.
"On a practical level, they should also ensure that their Employers' Liability Insurance will protect them against any compensation awards that may arise from this area,'' she said.
Ms Nally believes there is an "increasing need" for business to have an overall policy to deal with absenteeism.
"A wide range of factors can influence employees' attendance patterns and levels, including good communication, training and development, working conditions, job design, team working and the creation and fostering of a culture and organisational morale, which encourages and recognises excellent attendance," she said.
- Sharon Lynch
