Countries that try to improve their competitiveness must ensure that employee work ethics are of the highest standards, especially when compared with those of their competitors. It seems that the work ethics of some workers in Malta are not quite up to scratch because absenteeism in the disguised form of unnecessary sick leave is still high.
A recent research study conducted by the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterpriser and Industry has revealed some worrying trends in the way workers take sick leave. One surprising finding of this survey, for instance, indicated that younger workers who are usually in the junior levels of an organisation are “reporting sick more frequently than their older colleagues”. This is unnatural because younger people are usually less prone to illnesses.
An experienced human resources manager would not hesitate to tell you that such a finding is evidence that something is badly wrong in the way that workers of a particular business are managed. Staff motivation is a difficult and often elusive objective, especially among young people who are hardwired very differently from older workers.
Most companies usually resort to introducing a ‘more military approach’ to address this problem that affects their competitiveness. It is no secret that companies using the services of medical teams that visit workers who report sick at their homes are urged to be tough with those who do not appear to be really ill.
However, medical ethics often prevent company doctors from contradicting the diagnosis made by the family doctors of workers who absent themselves from work by reporting sick.
Trade unions understandably argue against ‘military-style’ management practices and promote ‘values and principles’ to curb abuse of sick leave. This is easier said than done. Tight labour laws in Europe make it difficult for employers to get rid of workers who are persistent abusers of sick leave concessions, even if their selfish action affects not only their bosses but also other employees.
It is a fact that good managers are often more successful at instilling high quality work ethics among their team members. Motivation goes beyond giving financial rewards to workers who carry out their duties proficiently and avoid taking unnecessary sick leave. Good managers spend time to understand the aspirations of their workers and try to create the kind of atmosphere that helps employees feel they are respected for the work they do.
A recent incident in which half of Air Malta’s pilots on duty phoned in sick causing delays and cancellations that cost the airline “in excess of €500,000” in compensation and penalty fees shows how dangerous the use of sick leave can be if not used strictly for medical reasons.
Equally important is the attitude of family doctors who may be called by one of their patients to diagnose an illness that really does not exist.
Good doctors should not hesitate to advise their patients to return to their workplace if and when they are fit enough for work. This would avoid needless conflicting opinions on a patient’s conditions expressed by a family doctor and a company’s doctor.
What will make a difference in improving work ethics by reducing absenteeism is the promotion of a healthy corporate culture in businesses. This comes with good leadership characterised by focused strategic thinking, the reduction of internal politics and good team work.
At a national level, we must promote a strong commitment to hard work that can help us build a prosperous country.