1 in 5 Absences Are Work-Related
Absenteeism is an important indicator of the health of your organization. High absenteeism rates can indicate underlying problems, such as work-related stress, poor working conditions, or a lack of support and appreciation. In 2023, 22% of workers reported that their most recent absenteeism was partially or entirely due to their work (CBS). This highlights how important it is to pay attention to an improved employer brand and employee journey.
I think we are all familiar with a situation where a shortage of staff puts increasing pressure on the rest of the team. Employees constantly working overtime or extra shifts because there are simply not enough people. This leads to exhaustion and stress, causing more and more colleagues to call in sick. Absenteeism increases, and the remaining employees only get a tougher time. The work atmosphere becomes more negative, employees leave, and it seems like you have entered a vicious cycle that no one can really control.
It Really Can Be Done Differently! With Employer Branding as the Foundation for Success
As an HR manager or director, you know how important it is to effectively address staff shortages and absenteeism. This starts with investing in your employer brand. Employer branding is more than just marketing; it determines how you are perceived as an employer. This means providing a work environment where people feel valued. A strong employer brand ultimately creates a more stable team, a lower workload and a more positive work atmosphere, contributing to the success of your organization.
The Employee Journey: From Appealing to Unforgettable
The employee journey is an important part of how employees perceive you as an employer, from the time they apply for a job to the time they leave. When you make sure this journey is positive, employees feel heard, valued and supported. This is crucial to their well-being. By paying attention to effective onboarding, continuous development and a culture that promotes well-being and a healthy work-life balance, you not only increase engagement and motivation, but are more likely to reduce absenteeism due to work-related stress or dissatisfaction .
Debbie Huijs
HR Consultant
Invest strategically in your employer brand
As an HR manager or director, it is crucial to invest in your employer brand by making the company culture and values visible, offering recognition and growth opportunities, and actively sharing your story. This increases engagement and could reduce absenteeism.
Improve the employee journey by analyzing and optimizing all experiences, from onboarding to daily operations. In addition, create a work culture that puts health and wellness at its core.
In addition, ensure open communication, listen to your employees, and take their feedback seriously. Invest in stress management and wellness programs to reduce work-related stress and increase engagement.
In Summary
Just imagine… If you could reduce absenteeism by 1% alone, what would that get you? Do the math! It makes it clear that investing in your employer brand and a good employee journey is not a luxury, but a necessity for any company that wants to grow.
How We Can Help You Achieve This
At Affecty, we believe employer branding is essential for reducing absenteeism and enhancing job happiness. We help organizations create a strong employer brand and work environment where employees feel valued and happy, which improves both their well-being and your business performance.
Do you have concrete ideas or just want to meet to explore how we can strengthen your employer brand? My colleagues and I are ready for you!
