How to Prevent the Cancer of Employee Absenteeism
Is employee absenteeism crippling your business?
In the latest episode of Titan PI TV, Simon Henson, Managing Director of Titan Private Investigation Limited, tackles a subject that gnaws at the very core of business productivity: employee absenteeism. With a national footprint spanning from Truro in the Southwest to Manchester in the Northwest, Titan’s expertise in live operational investigations offers a unique vantage point on this pervasive issue. Henson’s message is clear—absenteeism is a cancer within organisations, and if left unchecked, it can metastasise, eroding morale, profitability, and the very fabric of a company.
The National Reach of Titan Private Investigation
Broadcasting from Titan’s Derby headquarters, Simon opens the episode by highlighting the agency’s extensive reach. With ten offices strategically located across the UK, Titan is well-positioned to serve clients nationwide. This breadth of coverage ensures that no matter where a business is based, it can access Titan’s specialist services to address internal challenges such as absenteeism.
The True Cost of Absenteeism
Simon wastes no time in addressing the gravity of the issue. “Employee absenteeism eats through your business like a cancer,” he asserts. The metaphor is apt – just as cancer silently spreads, absenteeism can quietly undermine a company’s bottom line. The financial implications are significant, but the damage does not stop there. When reliable employees witness colleagues repeatedly absent without consequence, it breeds resentment and can even encourage similar behaviour. “If they see the same few employees going sick and there’s no intervention, they just get away with it,” Simon warns. Over time, this can lead to a culture where absenteeism becomes normalised, spreading the ‘cancer’ further.
The Domino Effect: When Good Employees Follow Bad Examples
One of the most insidious aspects of absenteeism is its contagious nature. Simon explains that even the most dedicated employees may eventually succumb to the temptation of taking unnecessary sick days if they observe others doing so without repercussions. “In the end, what’s good for them will be good for that employee, and they’ll start to have absenteeism, and that’s when the cancer starts.” This domino effect can be devastating, leading to widespread disengagement and a decline in overall productivity.
Proactive Intervention: Setting the Right Example
For businesses that have not yet experienced widespread absenteeism, Henson advocates for early intervention. “It might be that the cancer hasn’t started yet and you just want to make an example of an employee who has unacceptable absenteeism.” By addressing the issue promptly and visibly, employers can send a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated, thereby deterring others from following suit.
The Titan Approach: Surveillance and Evidence Gathering
So, how does Titan help businesses combat absenteeism? The answer lies in professional, lawful surveillance. Henson outlines the process: “We deploy a minimum of two surveillance operatives. Sometimes it’s three, but generally we are able to do it with two.” These operatives are tasked with covertly monitoring the employee in question for a minimum of five hours, though Titan recommends matching the surveillance period to the employee’s contracted working hours for maximum effectiveness.
For example, if the absent employee is contracted to work a standard 9-to-5 office job, the operatives will observe and record their activities throughout that period. The goal is to document the employee’s movements, locations visited, associations, and body language. This evidence can reveal whether the employee is genuinely unwell or engaging in activities inconsistent with their reported illness.
Tailored Surveillance for All Working Patterns
Titan’s surveillance services are not limited to traditional office hours. “It might be that they work a night shift. It could be they work a six-to-two. We will work what that employee is required to do contractually for your business to gain you the evidence of what they’re actually doing,” Simon Henson explains. This flexibility ensures that no matter the employee’s schedule, Titan can provide comprehensive coverage.
Addressing Workplace Accidents and Suspected Moonlighting
Absenteeism is not always straightforward. Sometimes, employees claim to be unable to work due to workplace accidents or injuries. In such cases, the legitimacy of their claims may be disputed. Simon describes scenarios where an employee might assert that they cannot drive for more than thirty minutes or perform certain physical tasks. Alternatively, there may be suspicions that the employee is working elsewhere while on sick leave. In both instances, Titan’s surveillance operatives gather evidence to confirm or refute these claims, always operating within the bounds of the law.
The Cost of Surveillance: An Investment in Business Health
Titan Private Investigation Ltd are transparent about the costs involved. A minimum five-hour deployment of two operatives is priced at £600 plus VAT. If the employee’s contracted hours are longer—say, an eight-hour shift—the cost rises to £960 plus VAT. While this may seem like a significant outlay, Simon frames it as a sound investment. “A no brainer of potentially between £600 and £960 plus the VAT, being able to get rid of an employee on £40,000 a year. Absolute no brainer.” The implication is clear: the cost of surveillance pales in comparison to the ongoing financial drain of a persistently absent employee.
The Importance of Multiple Deployments
In some cases, a single surveillance operation may not suffice. Simon advises that if the employee’s misconduct is not blatant—such as working another job while on sick leave—multiple deployments may be necessary. “Potentially you’re going to need more than one deployment, maybe two, just to be able to knock out the defence that it was a good day and I could do that on that day.” This approach ensures that the evidence gathered is robust and can withstand scrutiny in any subsequent proceedings.
Comprehensive Reporting: Building a Solid Case
Once surveillance is complete, Titan provides clients with a comprehensive report. This includes images captured during the operation and the unedited surveillance footage, complete with time and date stamps. “This report and the footage forms an exhibit,” Simon explains. Because all evidence is gathered lawfully, it is fully admissible in internal tribunals, civil courts, and even criminal courts if necessary. This meticulous documentation is crucial for employers seeking to take disciplinary action or defend their decisions in legal settings.
Lawful and Ethical Evidence Gathering
A key aspect of Titan’s service is its commitment to legality and ethics. Simon emphasises that all evidence is obtained lawfully, ensuring that it can be used without fear of legal repercussions. This is particularly important in an era where data protection and employee privacy are under increasing scrutiny. By adhering to the highest standards, Titan protects its clients from potential legal challenges while delivering the evidence needed to address absenteeism effectively.
The Bottom Line: Prevention is Better Than Cure
As the episode draws to a close, Simon reiterates the importance of tackling absenteeism head-on. The cost of surveillance is minimal compared to the long-term expense of retaining an employee who is not fulfilling their contractual obligations. By acting decisively, businesses can protect their bottom line, maintain morale among diligent employees, and foster a culture of accountability.
Episode Final Thoughts
Employee absenteeism is a complex and costly issue, but it is not insurmountable. With the right approach – combining early intervention, professional surveillance, and comprehensive reporting—businesses can root out the ‘cancer’ of absenteeism before it spreads. Titan Private Investigation Limited, under the stewardship of Simon Henson, stands ready to assist organisations across the UK in safeguarding their productivity and prosperity.
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