Why absenteeism isn’t just about sick days: a leadership wake-up call
The Behaviour Shift
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Absenteeism is often treated as a data point on a report—something for HR to monitor and managers to “manage.” But as I unpack in my LinkedIn article, the story behind absenteeism is far deeper and more human.
It’s easy to assume that when people stop showing up, it’s due to laziness or a lack of dedication. But often, it’s not about the work itself, it’s about the environment. It’s about disconnection, exhaustion, and the silent drift away from purpose.
Gallup’s research shows that highly engaged teams have 78% less absenteeism, and Harvard’s data links psychological safety directly to higher engagement and lower absenteeism. Locally, the Australian HR Institute echoes this, naming a lack of psychological safety as the top cultural driver of absenteeism in Australian workplaces.
If you’re leading a team and noticing the signs: empty chairs, silent contributors, or people who “clock in” but aren’t really in—it’s time to look beyond the absence and into the culture. Tightening policies won’t fix this. Real change starts with conversations that matter, spotting hidden patterns, and creating a culture where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Want to know how to spark that shift? I share practical, no-BS strategies for leaders to reconnect with their teams and rebuild engagement in the full newsletter.
Read the full article on LinkedIn 👉 What Your Team’s Absenteeism Is Really Telling You
If you're a leader or HR professional ready to build a high-performing team that shows up, fully engaged and energised, explore my leadership coaching services or corporate coaching programs.
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