1.0 INTRODUCTION
This paper first discusses the issue of Absenteeism in a Private Care Home which cares for five people with Learning Disabilities.
Secondly, it looks at SSM, Cognitive Mapping and SODA I as appropriate methodologies for analysing the problem of Absenteeism why SODA I using Cognitive Mapping is best recommended.
Thirdly, a Model is built using Individual Cognitive maps which are then merged to form a strategic map which is action oriented.
Fourthly, limitations of the Model are discussed.
Lastly, a Monitoring system is suggested which helps to monitor absenteeism trends and how it impacts on the Quality of Care Provided.
Finally is the conclusion based on the findings.
2.0 ABSENTEEISM AT WORK
Employees can be absent from work either due to Long-term sickness, short-term certified or uncertified sickness or unauthorised absence and lateness. Absenteeism will not include annual leave , maternity, compassionate or absence due to training or attending union meetings but where a worker fails to turn up at work as scheduled resulting in disruption of work schedule, added work load, increased payroll costs and poor quality service an d poor staff morale.
High levels of absence are costly both to individual organisations and the economy as a whole.
? Company Background
The home has 9 full-time Support Workers ( the manager, 4 seniors and 4 support workers) contracted 35hrs a week and 7 part-timers contracted 20 hrs per week who are mostly student giving a total of 455 hours whereas the expected care hours are (72hrs *7days) 504 hrs. The company has a pool of relief staff who can work in any home. Two seniors are on long term sickness due to injury at work henc ...