The need for an absence policy.

Absence policies are important as they communicate the company’s procedures and expectations to your employees. They are the first step before implementing any absence management tools such as:

• Return to work interviews
• Trigger mechanisms to review attendance
• Attendance bonuses or incentives
• Absence rate as a key performance indicator

Ensuring your employees understand what is required of them, what your company considers acceptable and what the consequences are of any absence before any absence is taken is essential.

Broadly the policy should include chapters covering the following topics:

Policy Statement

1. Your commitment to employee wellbeing
2. Briefly describe the what the policy explains
3. Who has been involved in the creation of the policy & encourage staff involvement

Key Principles

1. Describe your sick pay scheme
2. Punctuality & attendance expectations
3. List support offered for genuine reasons of absence
4. Occupational health adviser involvement
5. Disciplinary procedures
6. Confidentiality
7. Notification of absence procedures
8. Self-certification arrangements
9. Return to work discussions
10. Absence due to disability/maternity

An example policy can be found at the ACAS website