Our clients’ model relied on consistent delivery and workforce presence, but rising absenteeism and punctuality issues were directly reducing profitability. Key challenges included:
- Revenue loss caused by underutilised resources.
- The disruption to client delivery is leading to strained relationships and reduced procurement opportunities.
- Inaccurate attendance and pay data create unnecessary disputes and admin pressure.
- Absence management policies that lacked structure, consistency, and compliance with the Equality Act.
Impact on the Company
The impact of these issues was felt across every level of the business:
- Reduced revenue per seat due to unplanned absences.
- Operational inefficiency and client dissatisfaction.
- Increased pay disputes are undermining employee trust and engagement.
- Growing risk of non-compliance with employment law, particularly around absence, mental health, and reasonable adjustments.
HR Solutions and Strategies Used
Altum HR implemented a targeted, compliance-led HR solution designed to tackle absenteeism at its root while protecting both the business and its employees.
Integration of a People Management System
- Introduced a fit-for-purpose HR system that aligned with internal absence policies and improved reporting accuracy.
- Created transparent, data-driven tracking for attendance, lateness, and absence trends.
Safeguarding-Centred Absence Management
- Embedded a safeguarding approach into absence management, integrating:
- AWOL (absence without leave) processes
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Capability reviews
- Reasonable adjustment procedures in line with the Equality Act
- Ensured absence management supported both compliance and employee welfare.
Payroll and System Alignment
- Reviewed and corrected the clock-in system to improve timekeeping data accuracy.
- Linked attendance data directly to payroll to reduce disputes and improve trust in pay accuracy.
Measurable Outcomes
- There is a significant reduction in absenteeism, directly increasing revenue per seat.
- Pay disputes decreased, improving employee relations and payroll efficiency.
- Absence management processes are now fully compliant with the Equality Act and employee rights.
- The business now has a robust, data-led absence management process that balances accountability with support — protecting revenue while reducing HR risk.
The Result
Altum HR helped the business turn a costly attendance issue into a model of operational control and compliance. By integrating HR systems, improving process accuracy, and embedding a safeguarding mindset, absenteeism dropped sharply, improving both profitability and employee well-being. What began as a financial problem became a sustainable solution for people.
