As a hospitality entrepreneur, it has undoubtedly not escaped your notice: the labor market is tense. Whereas in the first quarter of 2021 there were still 44 hospitality vacancies per 1,000 jobs, in the same quarter of this year there were already 112 (source: CBS). A big difference, where you have to compete with other employers to bring in the best staff. And what if your staff falls ill? Then you may have to look for temporary replacements and find yourself with double costs. To help you, KHN Verzekeringen offers tips to keep the absenteeism of your staff under control.
Tip #1: Keep track of absenteeism rates.
In the first quarter of 2022, absenteeism in the Netherlands was the highest ever. Many companies in the hospitality industry also felt this: there the absenteeism rate went from 4% to 6%. This mainly concerns physical complaints, such as back and neck pain, due to standing a lot or lifting, for example. Annoying for your employee, but also for you. Because a sick employee can easily cost you 250 euros per day. So make sure you keep an eye on the sick leave percentage of your hospitality company and talk to an employee who is regularly absent. Only in this way can you see any long-term absence 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 that lead to (long-term) absenteeism. Think of a bartender who cracks himself on broken glass, a waitress who slips on a puddle of beer or a cook who burns his hand while flambéing. 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. The mandatory Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) also helps you do this.
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 and 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 different parties. Make sure you do not lose control and take the right (legal) steps in time. In addition, there are various schemes that you, as a hospitality company, can make use of in case of sick employees. It is important to apply for these schemes in time so that you can claim them.
It is also possible to enlist the help of an absenteeism director. He or she looks over your shoulder, makes sure you take the right steps and signals in time for when you need to apply for certain regulations. In addition, this Verzuimregisseur can check your annual Whk-determination. Experience shows that there are quite often errors in this, as a result of which employers wrongly pay for benefits that actually should not have been charged.
Tip 5: Make sure you have good absence insurance and occupational health services
There is much to be gained for you as a hospitality entrepreneur by combating sick leave. A sick employee is entitled to up to 104 weeks of wage payment. In addition, a sick employee incurs other costs, such as replacement, reintegration and absenteeism counseling. A sick leave insurance and health and safety services offer a solution. They ensure that (part of) the costs are reimbursed to you. In addition, you can get advice on prevention, sustainable employability and reducing absenteeism. Everything to support you as an entrepreneur and to help your employees quickly and vitally return to the workplace.
Want to know more?
Through KHN Insurance you can take out an extensive and inexpensive Absenteeism Package. This consists of absenteeism insurance, health and safety services and the unique Verzuimregisseur. The Verzuimregisseur is an addition to the health & safety service and helps you with issues around legislation and regulations, communication with involved parties, applying for various benefits and how to deal with a sick employee. Want to know more or request a quote? Do this here
