Case study frequent absenteeism; prevention prevents long-term absenteeism

Frequent Absenteeism

Frequent absence is risky for both employer and employee. Scientific research shows that 50% of long-term absenteeism will lapse within four years of employees who report sick more than 4x per year. In addition, 61% have another chance of frequent absenteeism the following year. Dismissal due to frequent absenteeism turns out to be very difficult in practice. In the cases known to date, a request for dissolution is rejected by the sub district court judge.

•  In the past 3 years there was an average absenteeism of the participating employees of 40%
• All employees have been in permanent employment for more than 5 years with a good track record
• The reasons for absenteeism differed among employees
• Cultural backgrounds varied. Age between 28-55 years.
• Employees fulfil a representative function and are in direct contact with customers.
• Organization concerns 24/7 Retail. 67% work in shifts

Reference to COBALA

• Employer found out about COBALA through the network and enables employees to follow for a Master Your Health program.
• After 6 weeks of guidance, employees' image has become more positive, energy levels have increased and physical and mental functioning has improved.
• Employees are able to run irregular shifts.
• During 150 days of counselling including winter period with a national flu epidemic of 15 weeks, average absenteeism has been reduced to an average of 1.3%.
• The ROI in the short and long term is positive for the organization and society.
• Employees and employers assess COBALA's guidance as excellent.

Personal Resilience

Personal resilience before (red line), after 100 days (light green line) and after 150 days of guidance (dark green line). During the 150 days of guidance, the total personal resilience improves from 70% to 94%.