How to Motivate to Improve Attendance in the Workplace

A company can succeed only if employees perform their duties, but that is impossible if certain employees regularly refuse to show up to work. A lack of employee attendance can cause production to slip, backorders to pile up and other employees to begin taking days off. To curb poor attendance, company management must look at the workplace environment and the needs of employees and make necessary adjustments.

Instructions

1. Offer flexible work schedules, if possible. Some work places operate on a strict 9-to-5 schedule; in other work environments, employees work various hours throughout the day. Employees may have poor attendance due to conflicting work schedules.

2. Reward employees who regularly come to work. Rewarding employees with good attendance tells them that the company appreciates them, and it sends a message of disapproval to employees with poor attendance marks. Rewards for meeting a predetermined attendance mark can include extra personal days, bonuses or awards.

3. Conduct a survey of employee satisfaction and make changes accordingly. If the workplace environment does not cater to the employees, workers will not be as eager to show up.

4. Ease the burden of work by offering activities that employees can enjoy during breaks. A dartboard or pool table in the break room can lessen work-related stress, making the work environment more enjoyable for employees.

5. Warn employees who have bad attendance. If an employee's attendance does not improve, talk with him about it. Explain that the company hired him to fill a certain role and that he cannot fulfill that role if he does not come to work. If the employee's attendance still does not improve, begin disciplinary measures, such as forced time off without pay.

References

• Creative Business Resources: Employee Attendance Problems Drag Down the Profits
• TrackSmart: The 5 Meanings Behind Excessive Employee Absences