How to set absence triggers and targets

By Claire Watt

Understand the difference between an absence trigger and an absence target; Be aware that accurately measuring and monitoring absence is a crucial part of any effective absence management system; Decide how to measure sickness absence, bearing in mind any limitations of the different methods; Identify who will be responsible for gathering sickness absence data and how this will be processed;
Using existing absence data, set appropriate absence triggers for the organisation and establish a process for flagging when a trigger has been reached; Taking into account absence rates within the organisation, decide if an absence target is required and, if it is, what that target should be; Consider how the absence triggers and any targets will be communicated to employees; Ensure that line managers are equipped with the relevant skills and are following the absence management procedure; Review the approach to setting triggers and targets regularly to ensure they are effective in driving the desired outcomes.

Sign up today to get:

• Understand the difference between absence triggers and absence targets
• Decide how to measure sickness absence
  • Average number of days’ absence per employee
  • Lost time rate (absence as a proportion of working time)
  • Frequency rate (spells of absence)
  • Individual frequency rate
  • Bradford factor
• Ensure sickness absence is recorded consistently and accurately
• Set absence triggers
  • Consider adjusting trigger points for part-time employees
  • Take account of individual circumstances including disability or pregnancy-related absence
• Decide if an absence target is required
• Communicate the absence policy to employees
• Ensure line managers understand and play their role in managing absence
• Keep absence triggers and targets under review

Want to see more?

For full access to How to set absence triggers and targets, sign up to a HR and Compliance Centre subscription today.