Yesterday we spoke about absenteeism costing the Canadian economy billions of dollars every year. When we are working hard trying to make our organizations profitable; absenteeism can be a major blow to our bottom line. Why not control absenteeism in your organization; this may even lead to a competitive advantage over your competitors.

Encourage your team to exercise; there are many important reasons to do so.

The Mayo clinic reported in an article entitled: “Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity” by Mayo Clinic Staff

That regular exercise:

• Controls weight
• combats health conditions and diseases
• exercise improves mood
  • May lead you to be happier(and being happier may lead you to be more successful on its own), boost self confidence and improve your self-esteem
• boosts energy(Energy is one my attributes that help me in my quest for great success; I’m up earlier and work later than the average person and still ready to go out to dinner, grab a coffee with friends, go dancing with my wife or just plain stay up and talk)
• promotes better sleep
• puts the spark back into your sex life
• can be fun (exercise with a friend or family member, go outside, go dancing, hiking or learn a new great sport.

Exercise and physical activity can be a fun way to spend some time. It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So, take a dance class, hit the hiking trails or join a soccer team. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and just do it. If you get bored, try something new.

The Mayo clinic goes on to say

“Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns”

Talk about it in your next department meeting. You can:

• take a walk around the block one or two times a day, if you don’t have a gym at work
• call a gym and ask for group rates
• discuss having a gym built in your company; if you have the space and funds. I worked at one company that had a gym built; and they found so many benefits that purchased the company and had it built in most of their facilities. They have 100,000 employees and see great benefit from their employees exercising regularly
• ask the company to provide some type of rewards for those who participate to encourage individuals to join. I worked at one company where you were given a certain amount of work out dollars to be used towards workout clothes and equipment.
• encourage everyone to “work out” on their own; as a minimum and have a segment of the regular meeting where individuals can let others know how they are working out and how it can help their team members if they do the same.
• discuss the ill effects of absenteeism on the team on a regular basis at your department meetings. Note: if it’s not a problem; this is the time to thank everyone for their concentrated effort to be there at all times
• sit down and discuss possible solutions for those who are habitually absent
• have a stern talk with those who are clearly abusing the system; and follow up with warnings if required. Note: if it is this serious; it may be time to call HR to follow the company’s policies on the method to be followed. It is not fair to the others to have one person taking advantage of the company; as it affects the team as well
• etc. Reward the employees who are not absent. Now we are not saying come in when you’re coughing and wheezing and spread your cold to everyone; or have pink eye or Strep throat. We are saying an honest effort to come in after the long weekend and you clearly had too much to drink, or following the Stanley Cup, Grey Cup, Super bowl etc. Why not ask the company to reward those employees who have perfect attendance records. How about $100 or $200; or even a day off. You can follow this up with a certificate and a mini presentation at one of the regular meetings. This day off would be a planned day off; where the team would know of it and plan for it and have no ill effects of the unplanned day off. This is a lot more economical way of handling this crippling problem.

Excerpt from Paul J. Calleri’s up and coming book on Management Excellence. Paul J. Calleri is a CPA, CMA of Paul J. Calleri, Chartered Professional Accounting, founder of TheGAAP.net and entrepreneur.

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