I am advised that overall absenteeism levels in the public health service have reduced from 5.76% in 2008 to 5.03% in 2009 and to 4.76% for the year to August.
The HSE has set absenteeism as a key results area (KRA) and effective attendance management is central to cost containment planning and people management throughout the sector. The HSE actively manages absenteeism on a local basis and has comprehensively monitored this indicator on a national basis since 2008. It is clear that these steps are delivering positive results. The HSE has set a national target of a 3.5% rate as the benchmark for all hospitals/agencies and functions across the health sector and staff categories. Latest data shows that many hospitals, local health offices and voluntary agencies are currently achieving this target or making progress towards it. High level data by year, by staff category and trends therein since 2008 are as follows:
Absenteeism through illness is a normal incidence of working life and an analysis of this data indicates that a substantial majority (in the order of 85%) is certified by medical practitioners. There is a comprehensive set of management tools and robust engagement on absenteeism with staff, with the objective of ensuring the necessary supports and interventions are available to reduce the impact of non-attendance to the delivery of services and to assist staff return to work in a timely and effective manner in both the interests of staff and services.
While it is not possible to accurately estimate the total cost of absenteeism to an organisation, the HSE estimates that the payroll costs of absenteeism is approaching €300 million, or almost €60 million for each 1% of absenteeism.
Neither my Department nor the HSE collates data in relation to absenteeism in the private sector.