In May 2024, Mensura and Indiville teamed up to do a study among 1355 employees and 511 employers in Belgium. It turned out that 43% of Belgian companies do not monitor their absenteeism figures. 33% do try, but not regularly, while 23% does the job ‘meticulously’.
The larger the organisation, the more likely it is that absenteeism data is monitored. In very small companies (1-9 employees) it is only done by 20%, while in large organisations (1000+ employees) this number rises to 68%.
Monitoring absenteeism data: obstacles
The study revealed that companies have different reasons not to monitor absenteeism data. One third (33%) of the companies do not see the use of it; 15% confirmed that it is labour intensive or that they don’t have the chance to do it. 8% has ‘insufficient data’ to get a good picture of the absenteeism data.
“In that area, companies can still enjoy some great opportunities,” says Bart Teuwen, absenteeism expert at Mensura. “Absenteeism data contain a wealth of information. They help you to understand, predict and proactively tackle absenteeism in your organisation. In doing so you can end up saving money and invest in the sustainable employability of your employees. Monitoring absenteeism data is therefore essential for a healthy business.”
“
“Absenteeism data contain a wealth of information. They help you to understand, predict and proactively tackle absenteeism in your organisation. In doing so you can end up saving money and invest in the sustainable employability of your employees.”
- Bart Teuwen, absenteeism expert at MensuraWhat absenteeism rates do companies track?
Among the companies who claim to monitor their absenteeism data, we see a specific focus on the following:
- Absenteeism rate (monitored by 45%) and absenteeism frequency (44%): these paint a general picture of how often and for how long your employees are absent.
- Division short/long absenteeism (27%): gives an insight into the nature of the absenteeism: are your employees off for short or a long period?
- Individual employee data (15%): this data helps you to personalise your absenteeism policy.
- Percentage of zero absenteeism (11%): the percentage of employees who have never reported sick during a particular period. This figure is a good indicator for the sustainable employability of your employees.
Which tools do companies use to monitor absenteeism data?
Almost half of the companies (48%) have internal tables and spreadsheets in Excel, Google Sheets etc. This is by far the most popular option, but this approach is labour intensive and prone to error. 39% has a time registration system, while 38% works with the figuesr from the social secretariat. Both methods make it easier to automate your data, but the opportunities for analysis can be quite limited.
“94% still do not use specialised absenteeism software,” confirms Bart. “The other methods are a good starting point, but with software you can also really work towards a sustainable positive absenteeism policy that keeps on reaping the rewards.”
Why can a modern HR policy no longer manager without absenteeism software?
Together with Mensura, the software company Otherside at Work helps companies record and track their absenteeism procedures with absenteeism software. Bart Teuwen and Diederik Benders, CEO of Otherside at Work, are happy to tell you more about it.
What are the advantages of absenteeism software?
- Benefit #1: you save time
With absenteeism software like TeamFlows you no longer have to manually gather and analyse data. Automated reports give you a quick and clear insight into your absenteeism data, without lots of time-consuming administration beforehand. - Benefit #2: you get tailored insights
Thanks to absenteeism software you analyse your absenteeism data in real detail. Whether you want to look at trends in short or long absenteeism, monitor zero absenteeism or something entirely different, the software gives you insights that match the needs of your organisation. - Benefit #3: you can predict absenteeism
Modern absenteeism software goes beyond the simple collection and management of data. You can also use it to help identify risk factors. For example, are there noticeably more reports of illness in certain departments or roles? Insight into such patterns helps you to act in good time, take preventive measures, and thus prevent absenteeism. - Benefit #4: you always have a real-time overview of your absenteeism situation
How does your absenteeism data look for period X? Which absenteeism cases are ongoing? Who is tracking which file? Who is working on what? Thanks to real-time data you always know in just one click. There are also automatic triggers within each file: after each activity, the system automatically notifies the people involved in the next task. In this way the right people do the right thing at the right time.
Absenteeism monitoring software: worth the investment
“Absenteeism software is so much more than an administration tool,” says Bart. “It is a strategic instrument, allowing your company to promote a healthy work culture. In addition to following up your absenteeism data, you can also gain valuable insights to strategically improve your absenteeism policy. You certainly get a return on the investment!”
