Business Case
Employee absence reduces organisational efficiency, erodes staff morale and is costly. In 2024 employees in NZ took an average of 6.7 days absence leave which was the highest ever recorded (Up from 4.2 in 2020).1
Absence rates are:
- higher in manual workers (7.5 days) than non-manual workers (5.9 days).
- higher in businesses with 50 or more employees (7.2 days versus 5.4 days).
- higher in public sector than private sector (8.4 days versus 6.5 days)
Days lost due to non work-related illness are the main driver of absence. Non work-related injury is also a key driver.
1. Workplace Wellness Report 2025, Business NZ, Southern Cross Health Insurance
Why should I proactively manage absence?
Ethics – because you care about your workforce health
Bottom line – absence is costly – affecting organisational efficiency, morale and turnover.
Duty of Care – manage risk associated with ill health
How can we help?
Tactical assistance
We can assist with case management to provide expert advice when your employees are absent or affected by health whilst at work.
Strategic assistance
We can assist with systems to improve your attendance management. A light consulting engagement can be very effective.