35.2 million working days lost: How Activ People HR can help

In the dynamic landscape of modern workplaces, the loss of working days can have a significant impact on productivity, morale, and ultimately, the bottom line. The Health and Safety Executive [1] have released findings from their Annual Health and Safety Statistics Report, which revealed a staggering 35.2 million working days were lost last year due to ill-health and non-fatal workplace injuries, presenting a pressing challenge for businesses of all sizes. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for innovative HR solutions to mitigate losses and drive efficiency. So, let’s delve into how Activ People HR can play a pivotal role in reclaiming lost time and optimising workforce productivity.

1.8 million working people suffered work-related illnesses with factors such as absenteeism, illness, workplace injuries, employee burnout and 875,000 cases related to stress, anxiety, and depression contributing to this significant loss of productivity. For businesses striving to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced environment, finding effective solutions, such as introducing HR software, to minimise these losses is paramount.

So, how can HR software help you tackle absenteeism in the workplace? Well, having robust HR software, such as Activ People HR, plays a crucial role by providing specific tools and features that enable businesses to proactively manage employee attendance and unplanned absences. These tools can include:

Real-time Reporting:
By gathering absence data in one place and giving managers real-time visibility into employee attendance trends, including tools like the Bradford Factor, it is easier to spot patterns and nip potential disruptions in the bud. This means you can quickly pivot to solutions like flexible work arrangements or providing extra support to team members to keep things running smoothly.

Employee Self-Service Requests:
Activ People HR offers employee self-service portals that empower employees to manage their time-off requests, view their remaining leave balances, and update their availability. This creates a more open and accountable environment, while also giving employees the freedom to manage their schedules as they see fit.

Secure Document Storage:
Secure document storage plays a vital role in reducing absenteeism by securely managing confidential documents and fostering a supportive work environment. Activ People HR enables easy access to support resources, confidential records, and company guideline information so employees can keep informed on any changes within the business to avoid any added stress or anxiety. Activ People HR contains analytic capabilities to empower managers to monitor attendance patterns and proactively address any potential issues before they arise.

Absence Requests and Approval Workflows:
HR software typically includes features for employees to request time off digitally and for managers to approve or deny these requests electronically. Streamlining the absence request and approval process, not only reduces administrative burden and ensures consistency in handling time-off requests, but it also ensures ease for HR professionals and employees too. ­

Commercial Director at Activ People HR, Adrian Lewis gives his comments on this saying:
“I find the statistics on the 35.2 million working days lost due to ill-health and workplace injuries deeply concerning. These figures highlight the significant impact that absenteeism can have on businesses, both in terms of productivity losses and the well-being of employees. At Activ People HR, we recognise the importance of proactive absence management and providing businesses with the tools they need to address absenteeism effectively. Through our comprehensive HR software solutions, we aim to empower businesses to track and manage absences, promote employee well-being, and ultimately reduce the number of working days lost. Businesses must prioritise employee health and safety, and we remain committed to supporting them in this endeavour.”

For more information on how Activ People HR can help you tackle employee absenteeism and reduce workplace illnesses, you can book a demo with our friendly team here.

Sources:

[i] – Working Days Lost in Great Britain – https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/dayslost.htm