Improve Attendance at Work: Best Practices

It’s no secret that a happy workforce is a productive one. A recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 70% of respondents said their workplace happiness was very or somewhat important to their overall job satisfaction.

Several factors can contribute to employee happiness and, as a result, boost attendance at work. However, you can incorporate a few elements in your office to help create a happier work environment. What are these? Below are some of the best practices:

Invest in Employee Wellness Programs

One way to improve attendance at work is by investing in employee wellness programs. These programs encourage employees to live healthily and care for their well-being. When employees feel cared for, they are more likely to be engaged and productive at work.

You can offer various wellness programs, but dedicating a space in the office for wellness activities is a great place to start. For example, you can use this space to offer yoga or meditation classes. You can also set up a gym area where employees can work out during their lunch break or after work. If you don’t have the space for a dedicated wellness area, consider holding walking meetings instead of sitting in a conference room all day.

However, getting employees to participate in wellness programs can be challenging at first, so make sure to market the benefits of these programs. You can also offer incentives to those who participate, such as gift cards or extra paid time off. This way, employees will see the value in these programs and be more likely to get encouraged.

Promote Balance

Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of work can be overwhelming, leading to employees feeling burnt out. That is why it’s essential to promote balance in the workplace. Employees need to feel like they can take some time off when they need it without being penalized.

You can achieve this by setting up a break room where employees can relax and take their minds off work for a few minutes. This space should be comfortable and have amenities like a television, Ping-Pong table, or video games.

You can also encourage employees to stand up and move around the office every few hours. It can be as simple as setting a timer to remind everyone to take a quick walk or stretch break. Allowing employees to step away from their work will help them come back feeling refreshed and ready to be productive. In doing so, you can help improve attendance at work.

Encourage Social Interaction

People are social creatures, so it’s no surprise that happy employees have strong relationships with their co-workers. In a 2021 Workplace Friendship & Happiness Survey conducted by Wildgoose, 57% of employees say having a friend at work makes them more productive.

So if you want to improve attendance at work, you should encourage employee social interaction. One way to do this is by setting up an open-concept office. This type of layout promotes collaboration and can help build relationships between employees.

If you can’t have an open-concept office, perhaps you can designate a lounge area where employees can take breaks and chat. It can be a place for employees to relax and unwind, away from their desks. From there, they can develop closer bonds with their co-workers, leading to a more positive work environment.

 

Make Time for Meals

Do your employees eat at their desks? If so, this could be affecting their attendance. Employees need to take the time to have a proper meal, as it can improve their focus and productivity.

Allowing employees to step away from their desks will help them come back feeling refreshed and ready to be productive. Investing in customized dining room furniture such as tables, chairs, and benches can create a space where employees can enjoy their meals. This way, they won’t have to eat at their desks and can focus on enjoying their food.

You can also consider providing Vendo machines with healthy snacks and drinks. It’s a fun addition that your employees will appreciate. With this machine, they can have something to eat if they need a quick pick-me-up. Ensuring your employees are well-fed can help them feel more at home in the office and improve their attendance.

The secret to improving work attendance is creating a positive and comfortable working environment. You can do this by encouraging employee social interaction, setting up a break room with amenities, and promoting balance in the workplace. Doing so will help them feel more productive and engaged, leading to better attendance and overall job satisfaction.