Absence is today a “hot” issue for employers. The CBI 2007 Absence Survey calculates that the cost to UK business of absence is £13.4 billion per annum, with long terms absence accounting for 43% of working time lost.

The Hewitt 2008 Healthcare Fundamentals Survey, reports that of the organisations that responded, only 59% record their rate of absence, and of those that do 90% are not confident that their recorded rates of absence are accurate. Only 18% of respondents calculate the cost of absence to their organisation.

The Hewitt Corporate Healthcare Consulting team have specialist consultants who have leading edge knowledge and experience of working with clients as their expert health partner, in helping them to manage absence effectively to deliver lower absence rates and significant reductions in bottom line costs.

Services that can be provided include:

• Absence audit to calculate the total cost of absence, including both direct and indirect costs, and to identify the drivers and causations of absence
• Absence management strategies
• Implementation of absence management services, both in house and outsourced
• Management of absence management strategies and services calculating the return on investment and tracking absence rates and trends

Given the increasing importance of the cost of absence, a business case for effective absence management is compelling.

To find out how Hewitt can help you contact us or learn more by downloading a brochure.