Dimension Data cuts absence

The IT services and solution provider, Dimension Data, has cut absence from five-and-a-half days to three days per employee each year after introducing an absence management programme.

The scheme includes an employee assistance programme (EAP), occupational health services for the long-term sick and an absence notification helpline.

Gary Hutton, HR director Europe, said: "The idea is to put in place safety nets to look after staff when major stuff goes wrong." He estimates that the programme has saved it around £250,000 a year in absence costs.