When an occasional absence becomes a habitual occurrence, it’s known as absenteeism—and for some companies, it’s a major problem. In warehouse and manufacturing environments, chronic absenteeism disrupts production schedules, increases operational costs, and affects overall productivity. Understanding the root causes of chronic absenteeism can help employers develop strategies to mitigate its impact.
How much is too much?
Generally speaking, an acceptable absenteeism benchmark is 1.5%. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average rate in durable goods manufacturing is 2.8%; the average in transportation and warehousing is 3.4%. (To determine your absenteeism rate, divide the number of unplanned absences by the total number of workdays during a specified period.)
Top 5 reasons for employee absenteeism
In manufacturing and warehouse environments where production schedules and output targets are tightly knit, effective attendance management is essential for sustaining productivity and achieving business goals. Attendance management starts with understanding the root causes.
1. Health Issues
Health-related problems are one of the most common reasons for absenteeism. Employees in warehouse and manufacturing settings are often exposed to physically demanding tasks, hazardous materials, and repetitive motions, which can lead to injuries and illnesses. Common health issues include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): These are injuries or disorders affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs. MSDs are often caused by repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or awkward postures.
- Respiratory problems: Exposure to dust, chemicals, and other airborne contaminants can lead to respiratory issues, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis.
- Infectious diseases: Close working conditions can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, leading to a higher absenteeism rate during flu seasons or pandemics.
2. Workplace Stress
Stress is another major factor contributing to chronic absenteeism. The fast-paced and high-pressure environment of warehouses and manufacturing plants can lead to significant stress among employees. Factors contributing to workplace stress include:
- High workload: Excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines can overwhelm employees, leading to burnout and increased absenteeism.
- Lack of control: Employees who feel they have little control over their work processes or schedules are more likely to experience stress and take time off.
- Poor work-life balance: Long hours and shift work can disrupt employees' personal lives, leading to stress and absenteeism.
3. Job Dissatisfaction
Employees who are dissatisfied with their jobs are more likely to be absent. Job dissatisfaction can stem from various factors, including:
- Low Pay: Inadequate compensation can lead to financial stress and demotivation, causing employees to miss work.
- Lack of Recognition: Employees who feel undervalued or unappreciated are less likely to be engaged and more likely to be absent.
- Limited Career Growth: A lack of opportunities for advancement can lead to frustration and absenteeism.
4. Poor Working Conditions
The physical environment of the workplace plays a crucial role in employee attendance. Poor working conditions can lead to higher absenteeism rates. Key issues include:
- Safety issues: Safety hazards, such as unguarded machinery, slippery floors, or inadequate protective equipment, can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Uncomfortable workspaces: Extreme temperatures, poor lighting, and inadequate ventilation can make the workplace uncomfortable and unhealthy, negatively affecting motivation and engagement.
- Noise and vibration: Excessive noise and vibration can cause hearing loss, stress, and other health issues, contributing to absenteeism.
5. Personal Issues
Personal issues outside of work can also lead to absenteeism. These issues can range from family responsibilities to personal health problems. Common personal issues include:
- Childcare and elder care: Employees with caregiving responsibilities may need to take time off to care for sick children or elderly family members.
- Mental health: Mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, can significantly impact an employee's ability to attend work regularly.
- Transportation problems: Lack of reliable transportation can lead to frequent tardiness or absenteeism.
Strategies to Reduce Absenteeism
Implementing strategies to reduce absenteeism involves a combination of proactive measures and ongoing support. Here are some practical steps to help you get started:
1. Promote Health and Safety
- Conduct regular training: Provide ongoing training on safety protocols, proper lifting techniques, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure that all employees are aware of the potential hazards and how to avoid them.
- Ergonomic assessments: Regularly assess workstations and tasks to identify ergonomic risks. Implement changes such as adjustable workstations, anti-fatigue mats, and proper tools to reduce strain and prevent injuries.
- Health screenings: Offer regular health screenings and wellness programs to monitor and improve employees' health. Encourage vaccinations and provide resources for managing chronic conditions.
2. Foster a Positive Work Environment
- Recognize achievements: Implement a recognition program to celebrate employee achievements and milestones. This can include awards, bonuses, or public acknowledgment.
- Career development: Provide opportunities for career growth and development. Offer training programs, mentorship, and clear pathways for advancement within the company.
- Work-life balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible work schedules, paid time off, and support for personal commitments.
3. Improve Working Conditions
- Safety inspections: Conduct regular safety inspections to identify and address potential hazards. Ensure that all safety equipment is in good working condition and readily available. For a look at common safety violations and how you can prevent them, read Prepare and Prevent: OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations.
- Comfortable environment: Maintain a comfortable working environment by controlling temperature, improving lighting, and ensuring proper ventilation. Provide break areas where employees can rest and recharge.
- Noise control: Implement measures to reduce noise levels, such as soundproofing, providing ear protection, and scheduling noisy tasks during less disruptive times.
4. Provide Support for Personal Issues
- Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible work options, such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks, to help employees manage personal responsibilities.
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Provide access to EAPs that offer counseling, financial advice, and other support services for employees dealing with personal issues.
- Mental health resources: Promote mental health awareness and provide resources such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and mental health days.
5. Address Workplace Stress
- Manage Workloads: Ensure that workloads are manageable and evenly distributed. Avoid setting unrealistic deadlines and provide support during peak periods.
- Employee Feedback: Create channels for employees to provide feedback and voice concerns. Act on this feedback to make necessary improvements and show that their opinions are valued.
- Team Building: Organize team-building activities and social events to foster a sense of community and support among employees.
Looking Into Root Causes
A Manpower manufacturing client was having difficulties with absenteeism and overtime costs. Manpower studied each shift individually to discover the root cause of excessive absences. We found that new employees were often working alongside other inexperienced workers, while tenured workers worked together on separate shifts. This led to increased safety issues and decreased efficiency for the newer workers, which in turn, fed overtime costs.
By restructuring the shift by placing tenured employees with less experienced employees, the plant was able to reduce the number of employees incurring overtime to zero. The more experienced workers were given the most hours, while the newer employees had shorter schedules to ease them into their roles. After a short time in the new shift, absences went from an average of five per shift to one or fewer, and the company achieved a weekly cost savings of $1,500 on one line.
Implementation Tips
After you’ve determined the main culprits affecting the absenteeism rate in your facility, it’s time to put a plan into action. Here are some tips for success:
- Start small: Begin with a few key initiatives and gradually expand as you see positive results. This allows you to manage resources effectively and make adjustments as needed.
- Involve employees: Engage employees in the process by seeking their input and involving them in decision-making. This increases buy-in and ensures that the strategies meet their needs.
- Monitor progress: Regularly track absenteeism rates and other relevant metrics to measure the effectiveness of your strategies. Use this data to make informed decisions and continuous improvements.
- Communicate clearly: Ensure that all employees are aware of the initiatives and understand how they can benefit from them. Clear communication helps build trust and encourages participation.
By implementing these strategies thoughtfully and consistently, you can create a healthier, more supportive work environment that reduces chronic absenteeism and enhances overall productivity.
We can help you get to the bottom of your absentee issue by exploring the problem from every angle. Get in touch to find out how.
