Managing absenteeism in local government

Abstract

Managing sickness absence effectively can produce significant cost savings as well as other, less tangible, benefits. This article shows why it is vital that local authorities provide tailor-made training on absence management for first line managers (FLMs) to develop ‘soft skills’, as well as acknowledging their specific organizational context. Development in this area should be an ongoing process which is reinforced with appropriate support from human resources (HR) professionals, and should be monitored as part of an overall absence management strategy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fiona Robson

Fiona Robson is a senior lecturer in human resource management at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, UK.

Sharon Mavin

Sharon Mavin is Associate Dean for Research and Consultancy at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, UK.