What are the root causes of both genuine and “serial sickies”?

Your dental clinic loses money when you pay sick leave on top of relief staff rates.

Whilst many staff are engaged, committed, and have genuine sick leave requirements, the trend of taking “serial sickies” is a growing phenomenon.

So, what are the causes of both genuine and “serial sickies”? Whilst it is a broad suggestion, both may in fact be caused by the same things:

Workplace stressors such as toxic culture, lack of leadership and poor communication embedded in daily work. More committed staff will often feel unrewarded if their dedication is not met equally.

Work conditions and poor remuneration where staff are over-tasked, time pressured, lack legal breaks and/or are underpaid. More committed staff will often work harder to keep things going and are likely to get burnt out.

Lack of training and support where leaders fail to recognise training gaps and fail to implement structured systems for staff to follow. More committed staff will find they are often asked to help those staff who should have been supported by leaders.

Personal life issues where, due to a lack of awareness of mental health in staff, leaders are incapable of providing support from themselves or an EAP. More committed staff will have further to fall if they feel they have given a “lot to the job” and no one is there for them in tough times.

Take a proactive step to address and remedy underlying issues that may be contributing to employees' regular sick leave and get your staff wanting to get back to work!

Call Accredident on 0414 989 628