Alternatives to Calling in Sick

Sick days are handy — for illness, and not days off. But there are plenty of options. The team at the Positive Choice Wellness Center in San Diego noticed a high volume of last-minute sick calls, so they held some education sessions to highlight the many aspects of the LMP attendance program, such as life balance days, unused sick day payouts and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Over a 17-month period, last-minute sick days dropped by an annual average of 3 days per full time employee.

Here's What Worked

• Highlighting options for taking days off, such as life balance days, vacation time and the Family and Medical Leave Act
• Encouraging a Thrive culture and extending lunch hours to allow for walks and fresh air
• Hosting monthly wellness potlucks to bond and build team unity

What can your team do to ensure employees know about the benefits and policies that affect them?