{"id":16111,"date":"2026-03-16T12:47:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T12:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?post_type=resources&p=16111"},"modified":"2026-07-27T11:01:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T11:01:52","slug":"absence-triggers-and-targets","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/absence-management\/absence-triggers-and-targets\/","title":{"rendered":"How to set absence triggers and targets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By Claire Watt<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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