Tip #1: Keep track of absenteeism rates.
In the first quarter of 2022, absenteeism in the Netherlands was the highest ever. Hairdressers also felt this: there, the absenteeism rate went from 4.7% to 6.7%. This mainly concerns physical complaints, such as back and neck pain. Annoying for your employee, but also for you. Because a sick employee can quickly cost you € 250 per day. So make sure you keep an eye on your organization's sick leave percentage and talk to an employee who is regularly absent. Only then can you see any absenteeism coming and anticipate it.
Tip 2: Provide a safe workplace
As an employer, you have the important task of ensuring a safe working environment. Accidents regularly happen in the workplace, leading to (long-term) absenteeism. Think of a hairdresser who suffers back problems due to incorrect posture, an employee with work-related RSI complaints or a hairdresser who is exposed to substances such as bleaching agents or permanent-wave liquids and has developed hairdresser's eczema as a result. Not everything can be prevented, but by ensuring a safe workplace where everyone follows safety rules, you can at least reduce the risk of accidents.
Tip 3: Also make sure your workplace is pleasant
Most people spend much of their time at work. Therefore, it is important that this environment is not only safe but also pleasant. After all, a happy employee is often also a healthy employee. Make sure there is a good work-life balance, talk regularly with your employee about what is going on, what his or her ambitions are and whether he or she is still in the right place. Show genuine interest, be flexible where possible and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Tip 4: Comply with all (legal) obligations and take advantage of financial concessions
When an employee is absent from work, all sorts of things come your way and you have to deal with various parties. Make sure you do not lose control and take the right (legal) steps in time. There are also various schemes that a salon can make use of when its employees are ill. It is important to apply for these schemes in good time so that you can claim them.
You can also have your company assisted by an absenteeism director. He or she will look over your shoulder, make sure you take the right steps and identify in good time when you need to apply for certain schemes. In addition, this Verzuimregisseur can check your annual Whk-determination. Experience shows that there are often errors in this, causing employers to wrongly pay for benefits that actually should not have been charged.
Tip 5: Make sure you have a good absence insurance and health and safety office
A lot can be gained for you as a salon owner by combating sick leave. A sick employee is entitled to up to 104 weeks of wage payment. A sick employee also causes other costs for you, such as replacement, reintegration and absenteeism counseling. A sick leave insurance and health and safety office offer a solution. They ensure that (part of) the costs are reimbursed to you. You also get advice on prevention, sustainable employability and reducing your absenteeism rate. Everything to support you as an entrepreneur and to get your employees quickly and vitally back on the shop floor.
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