This is a contributor’s blogpost …

 

Business owners around the world are often concerned about the number of sick days their employees take. Sure, people are always going to become ill from time to time, and there is nothing you can do about it. However, there are many instances in which the individual is sick due to your actions or lack of actions. With that in mind, some simple tips on this page should help to point you in the right direction. If you put these ideas into action, I’m quite confident that you will lower the figures by the end of the next quarter. Best of all? You don’t have to spend a fortune to turn things around.

 

Photo Courtesy of Lee Coursey via Flickr

 

Pay for professional office cleaning

Before you do anything else, you need to build a relationship with a local contract cleaning company. Companies within that niche never charge the earth for their services. However, they could save you a fortune if their assistance results in fewer sick days. You see, the computers and other items in your office are covered in germs. Just think about how many times you’ve seen someone sneeze at their screen. If you don’t clean the room properly, those germs and bacteria are going to spread around. So, it’s no wonder you tend to have outbreaks of the same illness amongst your workforce.

 

Purchase ergonomic office furniture

One of the most common excuses for office staff calling in sick relates to back pain. It stands to reason that people who sit at a desk for eight hours each day are going to place a lot of strain on their lumbar region. Considering that, you need to invest in the best chairs and desks your money can buy. There are lots of brands out there that produce ergonomic products designed to counteract the stress placed on body parts. Again, those items aren’t going to break the bank, but they’re usually more expensive than alternatives. Still, it’s worth the investment if your employees cease to call in sick.  

 

Photo Courtesy of Dineshraj Goomany via Flickr

 

Allow flexible working times for parents

Let’s face it, some workers call in sick because they have a problem with their children at home. Maybe their kids are ill, and the individual can’t find a babysitter before they are supposed to start work. In that situation, the person would often call in sick and then spend the entire day at home. However, if you allow flexible working times, you could put a stop to that. Whenever someone encounters an issue, they can sort it out and then come to the workplace when they’re ready. That move is guaranteed to reduce the number of sick days your company experiences.

You should now have a good idea of what you need to do this summer. It’s also sensible to raise the issue with your team. Take the time to ask them if there is anything you can do to limit their periods of sickness. You never know, someone might come up with a reasonable idea. Stranger things have happened. Whatever happens during the next few months, I wish you the best of luck!