Innovative ways to reduce sickness absence

For any organisation aiming to maintain productivity and improve employee wellbeing, reducing sickness absence should be a priority.

There are plenty of traditional methods to reduce sickness absence in the workplace, whether that be promoting a healthy lifestyle, offering sick leave benefits, or carrying out regular health check-ups, but innovative strategies can often go a lot further in actually addressing the problem of absenteeism.

The importance of reducing sickness absence

Reducing sickness absence in the workplace may seem like an obvious thing to tackle, but there are many benefits that you may not have considered:

• Improved productivity - Fewer sickness absences mean that employees spend more time working, increasing overall business productivity.
• Cost savings - Reducing absenteeism can save significant costs related to hiring temporary staff, overtime pay, and lost productivity.
• Employee wellbeing - A focus on reducing sickness absence encourages a healthier work environment, contributing to overall employee satisfaction and retention.

Innovative strategies to reduce sickness absence

High sickness absence rates can severely impact an organisation’s productivity and morale, so addressing this issue not only helps maintain efficiency but also shows employees that their health and wellbeing are valued. Innovative approaches to sickness absence can make a real difference in creating a healthier and more engaged workforce.

GoodShape - The innovative way to reduce sickness absence

GoodShape is at the forefront of innovative absence management, providing a comprehensive platform designed to address sickness absence effectively. Using advanced technology, GoodShape offers solutions that are both proactive and reactive to sickness leave management, ensuring that employees receive the support they need from the very first moment of absence.

Minute-one referrals

One of the key features of GoodShape’s platform is its ability to provide minute-one referrals. As soon as an employee reports a sickness absence, they are immediately referred to the appropriate support services. This quick intervention can make a huge difference in recovery time for your employees, as well as their overall wellbeing.

• Immediate support - Employees are promptly directed to healthcare providers, mental health services, or other relevant resources depending on their reason for absence. 
• Reduced time off - Quick referrals can lead to faster treatment and recovery, reducing the length of time an employee may need to take off. 
• Improved employee satisfaction - Knowing that their employer is committed to their health from the very first moment makes employees feel valued and supported, which has lots of positive knock-on effects such as employee retention and improved organisational reputation.

Intelligent signposting

GoodShape’s intelligent signposting means that employees are not only referred to quickly but also accurately. The platform uses advanced algorithms to determine the best course of action based on the specific nature of the illness, whether that be a mental health referral or access to written resources.

• Personalised recommendations - Employees receive personalised recommendations for healthcare providers, wellness programmes, or other interventions depending on the nature of their illness. 
• Better health outcomes - Accurate signposting leads to more effective treatments and faster recoveries, helping your employees to get back to work quickly and safely.
• Improved use of resources - By directing employees to the right resources, organisations can make better use of their existing healthcare benefits and services.

Trendspotting & predictive analytics

GoodShape’s platform offers sophisticated trendspotting and predictive analytics to help organisations effectively identify and address underlying issues that could be contributing to absenteeism. 

• Data-driven insights - Real-time data and predictive analytics provide insights into the absence patterns of your employees, helping to predict potential future risks.
• Proactive measures - Organisations can implement proactive measures to address emerging health trends before they become significant issues, allowing them to plan and prepare for any potential future absences.
• Informed decision making - Detailed analytics on absence patterns help HR and management teams make informed decisions about employee health and wellbeing provisions.

Digital health resources

The GoodShape platform’s extensive digital health library includes videos, downloadable workbooks, and written advice on a wide range of health topics, providing employees with access to reliable information that can help them understand and manage their health conditions better. This educational approach empowers employees to take charge of their wellbeing, potentially reducing the need for sick leave.

Reducing sickness absence - GoodShape in a nutshell

How does GoodShape help reduce sickness absence?

GoodShape’s platform helps reduce sickness absence through real-time health monitoring, predictive analytics, minute-one triage and referrals, personalised support plans, and comprehensive digital health resources. These features enable proactive health management and early intervention, preventing minor health issues from escalating into significant, long-term absences.

What makes GoodShape’s approach innovative?

GoodShape stands out due to its integration of advanced technology, such as wearable devices and predictive analytics, to monitor and manage employee health. The platform’s real-time data and minute-one referrals ensure immediate support, while personalised health plans and extensive digital resources provide personalised guidance for employees.

Can the GoodShape platform be integrated with existing health and safety policies?

Yes, GoodShape’s platform is designed to align with and support your existing health and safety policies and processes. It ensures that all absence-related actions are compliant with organisational and legal requirements, helping maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

Other innovative ways to reduce sickness absence

Health and wellness programmes 

Implementing comprehensive health and wellness programmes is a proactive way to reduce sickness absence. You could try holding fitness challenges (like daily step count competitions) across teams, or offer mental health support to help prevent stress-related illnesses and reduce the general stigma around mental health in the workplace. 

Flexible work arrangements

Flexibility in work hours or remote work options allows employees to manage their health better without the need to take time off and helps them balance their health needs with work responsibilities. Flexibility can alleviate the stress of commuting and rigid schedules, which are often contributors to sickness.

Ergonomic workspaces

Ergonomic workspaces are designed to promote efficiency, comfort, and wellbeing by tailoring the work environment to employees’ needs. Creating ergonomic workspaces can prevent a variety of health issues, including musculoskeletal problems and repetitive strain injuries, with the addition of some simple changes like providing adjustable chairs, desks, and other ergonomic furniture.

Make sure your organisation carries out regular assessments of workstations to ensure they meet ergonomic standards, and encourage employees to take regular breaks and move around to avoid sitting for long periods of time.

Data's role in reducing sickness absence 

GoodShape’s comprehensive data collection and analysis provides detailed insights into absence patterns and health trends, which in turn enables organisations to tailor their health initiatives to the specific needs of their employees.

Personalised absence statistics

GoodShape provides employees with their personal absence statistics, including total absences, short-term and long-term absences, working days lost, absence rate, and more. This personalised data helps employees understand their health patterns, take proactive steps to improve their wellbeing, and raise any concerns with their manager. 

Real-time dashboard reporting

Employers can access real-time dashboards that highlight issues, areas and specific teams to focus on, and emerging risks which are likely to cause future absences. This allows for quick interventions and adjustments to staffing resources, ensuring productivity remains effective.

Predictive analytics for future planning

GoodShape’s predictive analytics provides insight into potential future health issues within the organisation, allowing employers to plan and implement preventive measures proactively and reduce the likelihood of sickness absence spikes.

Reducing sickness absence in the workplace requires innovative strategies that go beyond traditional methods. GoodShape’s absence management platform offers a comprehensive, data-driven approach to managing employee health and wellbeing and processes to reduce sickness absence. 

Ready to unlock the full potential of your employee wellbeing initiatives?

Request your free absence report today and discover how our platform can empower your workforce and create a thriving workplace culture.