How Absenteeism is Wreaking Havoc on Small Businesses (and How to Fight Back!)
Ah, it’s cold and flu season, and the dreaded “I won’t make it in today” call season. If you’re running a small business, those words hit harder than a double espresso on a Monday morning. Absenteeism costs businesses BIG—especially when it comes to part-time workers. Here’s the kicker: a whopping 78% of unscheduled absences are due to minor illnesses, family obligations, or stress. Not exactly earth-shattering emergencies, right?
Why Are People Missing Work Last Minute?
Let’s break it down:
- Sniffles or Sore Throats: A mild cold or cough can send an employee home for a day—or two. (Because nobody wants the office “plague.”)
- Family Drama: From sick kids to surprise carpool duties, life happens—usually at the worst time for you.
- Mental Health Struggles: Stress and burnout are skyrocketing, and sometimes the “sick day” is more about mental fog than physical flu.
The result? Small businesses lose an average of $1,685 per employee annually due to absenteeism. For businesses with part-time staff, where every shift counts, that’s money flying out the window faster than your coffee & beer budget.
Here’s the Good News: Help Is on the Way!
Enter The Part-Time Benefits Company—the superhero sidekick your team never knew they needed. Our Tele-Medicine and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) can keep minor issues from turning into major absenteeism headaches.
- Your employees can chat with a doctor 24/7 from the office, couch, bed, or their kid’s soccer practice.
- Sniffles? Rash? Mystery headache? No waiting rooms or co-pays. Just quick, professional care in minutes.
- Saves employees and businesses thousands per year!
Result: Fewer sick days for minor illnesses and no excuse for “I can’t make it work, I have to go to the doctor.”
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
- Stress, family problems, or money woes? EAP provides instant access to mental health counseling and support to tackle life’s chaos.
- Employees with mental health issues in their families miss an average of 10 days of work per year due to them.
- Your employees and families can stay mentally and emotionally healthier with an EAP, so they’re ready to bring their A-game to work.
Result: Less burnout, fewer mental health days, and a more productive team. The business saves thousands and the employee can work with confidence.
It’s Time to Take a Stand Against Absenteeism
If you’re tired of scrambling to fill shifts or watching productivity, take a nosedive, The Part-Time Benefits Company is your secret weapon. Starting at just $1.99 per week, our benefits are affordable, impactful, and—dare we say—life-changing for your team.
Don’t let absenteeism steal your success. Give your part-timers the support they need to show up, feel good, and get the job done.
Learn more about our Tele-Medicine and EAP benefits here and see how we’re changing the game for small businesses—one sniffle at a time.
