Employee always sick - What can you do?
No boss or manager wants to deal with an employee who is always sick. It is not only inconvenient, but it can also be costly in terms of lost productivity, wages and even team morale. Fortunately, there are several steps that small business owners and managers can take to mitigate the impact of frequent absences due to illness.
The first step, housekeeping
The first step for small business owners is to take preventive measures. This includes having a clear policy on employee sick leave. Your employee handbook should include employee health and safety, encouraging them to get regular check-ups and vaccinations. You may provide access or link to suitable employee assistance programs that focus on physical and mental health. Additionally, implementing flexible policies such as telecommuting or flex time can help reduce the stress levels of employees and lead to improved health.
Go digital
Even in a small business, managing only a few employees, administration can quickly become unruly and stressful. Small business owners should use software and apps to track employee leave, sickness, and vacation requests. These tools benefit employer and employee, with both staying informed about employee absences in real-time. Employers can quickly identify any potential issues related to frequent illness. Additionally, they provide employers with the data needed to create fair and flexible policies for sick leave and other forms of absences.
Get a second opinion
When faced with a difficult situation such as an employee who is always sick, it can be beneficial for small business owners to seek external advice or a mediator. A qualified third party can provide objective insight and help create suitable solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of both employers and employees. Additionally, they can support the process of finding an appropriate balance between health and safety concerns, productivity requirements, and employee rights.
Taking proactive steps to encourage employee health and well-being can help small business owners reduce the impact of illnesses on their operations. By instituting preventive measures, using software tools and apps for accuracy, and seeking external advice, small business owners can ensure that they are able to maintain a healthy and productive workforce with low absenteeism.
Disclaimer: The advice provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We do not take any responsibility for actions taken as a result of the information provided here and recommend seeking professional legal advice tailored to your situation.
