Absence rate remains at 2.8% of working time

The latest XpertHR research finds that, for 2011, absence from work was unchanged from 2010 at 2.8% of working time, equivalent to an average of 6.4 days per employee. Sickness absence cost an average of £618 per employee. 

• Absence rate remains at 2.8% of working time lost: 2012 XpertHR survey Our survey shows a slow but sure year-on-year decline in overall absence levels across employers over the past five years - from a median of 3.2% of working time lost to absence in 2007 compared with 2.5% in 2011. 
• The full data from this survey is available on XpertHR Benchmarking. 

Also

Absence rates survey 2011: 2.8% of working time lost Last year's research found that absence accounted for 2.8% of working time - about six-and-a-half days per employee - while absence cost £442 per head of staff in 2010. 

XpertHR absence benchmarking dashboard 2012/13 XpertHR's absence benchmarking dashboard provides you with all the data resources you need to measure and monitor levels, costs and causes of sickness absence at your organisation. 

Good practice: attendance management This section of the XpertHR good practice manual discusses the management of attendance, including attendance procedures, attendance review meetings, possible causes of frequent non-attendance and ways of encouraging and promoting attendance. 

Good practice: sickness absence management This section of the XpertHR good practice manual discusses the management of both long- and short-term sickness absence, including measures to promote employees' health and reduce absence, sickness absence policies, paying sick pay and rehabilitation after long-term sickness. 

How to deal with sickness absence This XpertHR guidance provides advice on sickness absence management topics such as long-term sickness absence, obtaining medical reports, cover for long-term sickness absence and employees with poor sickness absence records.