Recently, there has been a great deal of attention given to the problem of workplace absenteeism. According to the most re
cent information from Statistics Canada, the average Canadian worker was away from work for the equivalent of almost two weeks in a year. Those 9.3 days lost translate to 2.4% of gross annual payroll, or $16.6 billion for Canadian employers in 2012.
Casual absences account for 80% of lost days for most businesses, and in most cases, these absences are not supported by any sort of medical note or certificate.
Absenteeism drives significant cost for the economy. In addition to lost productivity, companies may have to bring in a temporary worker or pay other workers overtime in order to attempt to recoup lost output. Product or project delivery may be delayed, customer satisfaction may lag, sales may be lost, employee morale may flag, key employees may get frustrated and leave…the indirect costs of absenteeism can be significant and long lasting.
Part of our Code of Excellence says we will, “Arrive to work on time, ready and willing to work.” Today’s workplace is much more competitive than in the past especially in regard to project owners considering the use of unorganized workers and non-Union companies. We need to show our commitment to being better … showing up for work reliably everyday and on time. Absence and Tardiness on our part can be factors when its time for a project owner to consider the next round of bids for work we hope to garner.