Unproductive? Systems And Processes Not To Blame?: Respond With Performance Or Disability Management

In this period of continued economic uncertainty, workers are often asked to do more with less. It is common to hear "we just need to be more efficient – work smarter, not harder". That mantra is not ringing true for many human resources professionals anymore. You are challenged with increasing disability claims (often originating out of stress leaves) and guiding frustrated supervisors as they implement performance improvement plans with employees.

A lack of fitness for duty whether caused by stress, fatigue, drug or alcohol use or dependency among other disabilities, has serious occupational health and safety implications. It often also undermines productivity in a fundamental way, as do employees who simply don't perform despite being fit for duty. They negatively affect morale and place unnecessary stress on other workers. They were the inspiration for the term "presentee-ism".