Business leaders and HR professionals gathered at a recent breakfast meeting organised by the Saint Lucia Employers’ Federation (SLEF) to confront the escalating challenge of absenteeism and its strain on workplace efficiency.
The timely event fostered an open dialogue on the surge in medical leave requests reported nationwide, with attendees exploring the underlying causes and actionable solutions to cultivate healthier, more resilient workplaces.
Goretti Paul, managing director of HRWISE, emphasised the need for HR professionals to address absenteeism with empathy.
“It was a very healthy discussion… we are dealing with human beings. We are dealing with individuals who have a multiplicity of issues,” she said.
Paul stressed that well-trained managers and a positive work environment can significantly influence attendance.
“If people want to come [to work], they are less likely to call in sick,” she said.
SLEF Executive Director Cornelia Jn Baptiste underscored the urgency of the issue, noting its financial and operational toll.
“Over the years, employers have observed an increase in the number of medical leave requests from employees, and in many instances, it’s causing some undue hardship on businesses,” Jn Baptiste said.
Participants agreed that proactive measures, such as fostering transparent communication, empathetic leadership, and stronger employee support systems, are vital in curbing absenteeism.
Jn Baptiste affirmed the federation’s commitment to driving policy-level solutions.
The SLEF plans to expand these discussions, pushing for strategies that balance employee well-being with organisational productivity.
