Wednesday, November 29, 2000
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Wednesday, November 29, 2000 |
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Absenteeism causes problems By
Gregory Smith A concerned reader recently e-mailed me about a problem he was having concerning people showing up for night shift work at a boat manufacturing facility. "As you can probably tell by the time of this e-mail I am a night shift supervisor. I hold this position at a world leading boat manufacturing facility. I have been raised and believe in a good work ethics. I gained some new insight to some things that had been on my mind as I read your article. "I have been with this company now 15 years. There are more newcomers at this facility than old-timers. I 'll get to the point. Absenteeism is a major problem in a production situation. When someone is out it kills you. I have spoken of incentives, but all that is offered by the company is a few quarters on the hour for night shift workers and perfect attendance checks which are taxed by the government some $120 every six months. "As you know night shift work by percentages is mostly going to draw only, shall I say, the younger work force. Not too many with a family are going to jump at this assignment. "The quality of worker we get to fill these positions tend to miss work a lot. I have heard everything from this is a regional problem to no one wants to work any more. I don't believe it's regional. I am from the same area. My thoughts are as follows; I believe it's a society type of problem. Tell me if I am wrong here. "Most of the younger work force has seen Mom & Dad hustle off to work and the kids find themselves left behind to sit or fend for themselves. We as parents have gotten a little sidetracked by giving our kids everything, which has had a lot to do with establishing poor work ethics. We have no one to blame but our selves as a society. "The long and the short of it I guess is to offer rewards for good attendance practices. The old school part of me doesn't like the fact that I have to do something extra for what they are being paid for to start with to come to work." * * * Answer: Thanks for your comments. I guess I have to agree with you to a certain degree. Society has changed as well as the economy. As long as there are more jobs than people, the less desirable jobs will go unfilled or, in your case, face constant absenteeism. However, all is not lost there are some options to consider: 1. Provide a more significant perfect attendance bonus. 2. Get the night shift to give input on what they think could improve attendance. 3. Pay more to those who work the night shift. 4. Eliminate the night shift. 5. Do a better job screening applicants and find a demographic that is more reliable. 6. Provide college/continuing education bonus to those who work night shift. In summary, management has to change its thinking to survive. Whether we like it or not, work ethics are different today. What worked yesterday is what is going to cause us to fail today. Standards and expectations of the past must be adjusted to the present realities of worker-driven economy. Gregory P. Smith shows businesses how to build productive and profitable work environments that attract, keep and motivate their work force. He speaks at conferences, conducts management training and is the president of a management consulting firm called Chart Your Course International in Conyers, Ga. Phone him at 770-860-9464 or send an e-mail at greg@chartcourse.com. More information, free newsletters and articles are available at www.ChartCourse.com. Chart Your Course International is a management development firm that shows businesses how to build productive work environments that attract, keep and motivate their work force. Feel free to call or visit its web site at http://www.ChartCourse.com. Chart Your Course International Gregory P. Smith-Captain of the Ship & CEO Phone: (770) 860-9464 E-mail: greg@chartcourse.com Location: Atlanta, Georgia-United States Free newsletter: http:// Free by e-mail/fax: For tips or information on Smith's new book, "TNT for Teams: Dynamic Ideas to Reward, Energize and Motivate Your Team," fax your letterhead or e-mail with the words "TNT" to 770-760-0581/greg@chartcourse.com. Gregory P. Smith, author of "The New Leader" and "How to Attract, Keep and Motivate Your Workforce." He speaks at conferences, leads seminars and helps organizations solve problems. He leads an organization called Chart Your Course International in Conyers, Ga. Phone him at 770-860-9464 e-mail greg@chartcourse.com. Information and articles are at www.chartcourse.com.
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