So absence costs almost nothing, according to Swansea University research (PersonnelToday.com, 18 August)? I think the researchers should go and speak to people in HR who have to deal with the outcomes of workers’ long periods of absence and the impact that has on other staff in their teams.
There is a cost implication involved as HR and departmental managers have to log and manage the absence, as well as managing the stressful conditions faced by those who do continue to hold the fort. There is also the need to appoint temporary staff to backfill positions to enable organisations to cover absence.
Linda Stiles
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Senior HR adviser,
Edexcel