Absence in the public sector: are managers managing?

This paper focuses on absence management, one of HR’s most contemporary issues due to the costs to the UK economy, individual organisations, managers and employees. This subject has been the focus of much research but one aspect has remained under-represented; the role of first line managers (FLMs) in managing absence. This work disseminates some of the results of an exciting research project involving ten UK Local Authorities who all have higher than average levels of absence in the same Department: Adult Social Services. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods this work investigates the extent to which managers appear to be managing absence in comparison with best practice criteria. Recommendations from this study include the need for adopting a holistic approach and increased focused support for FLMs. To conclude, yes, managers are managing absence but only just and more work is needed to gain the maximum benefits.