There's still room for improvement but the Sunrise Health Region (SHR) reports a problem with employee sick time is getting better.
The involvement of front-line health care workers is being credited for the advancement.
"Although we still have a way to go, it is very encouraging that sick time rates have reduced significantly since these new strategies were implemented," says President and CEO of the SHR, Suann Laurent.
In 2011-12 the health region paid 92.12 hours per full-time equivalent, at a cost to the health system of over 5.6 million dollars. The 2012-13 target was budgeted at 82.44 paid sick hours per full-time equivalent. To the end of June 2012, the projected annual paid sick time hours were 74.88 per full-time equivalent.
"Most health care employees have excellent attendance records and we want to support their continued good health," adds Laurent. "We believe that all employees want to help reduce illness and injury in the workplace and need access to related statistics, since absences affect everyone in the workplace."
Statistical monitoring walls are located in all facilities to provide information related to absence call-in procedures and attendance management as well as modified duties supports which are available to employees. The walls provide a location for managers and front-line employees to view and discuss regional and department statistics and suggestions about how to reduce injury rates and improve employee health.
