Every employer knows the feeling; you've got a job about to start, your clients are waiting, and their deadlines are growing closer and closer.
When it matters the most, a worker doesn't show. You don't get a message, an explanation, or even a half-hearted excuse. You're understaffed, and your entire operation has been thrown into chaos.
Chronic employee absenteeism isn't something businesses should accept as just "part of the job." Employers need to know how to prevent, manage, and (when necessary) take action against workers who repeatedly fail to show up.
Absenteeism in the workplace is a real problem in Australia. Here's what you can do when employees don't turn up for work and how IRP can build you a more reliable workforce from the start.
Absenteeism is frustrating. It also costs you. Unfilled shifts slow down production, and project delays lead to lost revenue. You aren't able to follow through on your promises, which can impact your business's reputation.
Absenteeism can also affect team morale. When reliable workers see others skipping shifts without consequences, they become resentful. They might start to question why they should continue doing the right thing at all.
Over time, this can result in a higher turnover rate, which only compounds the problem.
Of course, the occasional absence is unavoidable. Everyone gets sick from time to time or faces an unexpected emergency. Fair Work entitles employees to leave in those situations.
The real issue is repeated, unexplained absences from work, which signals a deeper problem—either with the employee or the workplace itself.
Common reasons workers miss shifts include:
If no-shows are a recurring problem in your business, it's time to take control. Here are three strategies you can leverage to reduce chronic absenteeism and build a work culture people enjoy being a part of:
If attendance policies aren't spelled out clearly, some workers will push boundaries. It's human nature. Your onboarding process should cover attendance rules in black and white.
Follow these best practices:
If employee absenteeism is widespread, a bigger cultural issue is often at play. Workers who feel valued, supported, respected, and engaged are far more likely to show up.
Keep the following in mind:
No matter how good your policies are, you'll never eliminate absenteeism entirely. What matters is how quickly you can adapt when it happens, here's how:
This is where IRP can help you get your job back on track. We provide pre-screened, reliable workers who are ready to step in when you need them most, whether it's a casual or a long-term hire.
Just like employees, employers have rights. You can take legal action if you are up against an employee not showing up for work. Just be sure to follow the correct processes along the way.
For legal guidance, consider seeking legal advice on employment to ensure you're following Fair Work regulations.
Prevention is always better than cure. The easiest way to avoid absenteeism is to hire workers who take the job seriously from the minute they are hired.
At IRP, we don't just fill roles—we find the right people for your team. Our screening process filters out unreliable candidates before they ever set foot on-site, so you get skilled, committed workers who are ready to show up and do the job. We also offer in-house HR support. With our team as your partner, you can refine your workforce strategies to minimise no-shows.
If absenteeism is hurting your bottom line, let's fix it. Contact IRP today and get a workforce you can count on.
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