April 10, 2008

HR Executive

Adapting to Absenteeism

Three in 10 workers surveyed by ComPsych Corp. said they had taken a mental-health day for family and relationship reasons. Twenty percent said they took off because of work stress; 15 percent cited personal issues; 12 percent, lack of physical energy and 5 percent, lack of motivation.

There is “a definite increase in the stress people carry with them today,” says Anita Madison, vice president of training and consulting for ComPsych. “Work pressures have increased and combined with the home, family and relationship pressures, so there isn’t much of a valve for individuals to release,” she says.

Madison suggests employees should be educated on discussing their concerns with their supervisors and asking for time off in advance. “People have the need to take that time off, but they must recognize their own accountability,” she says.