3. Provide mobile apps for remote access
Allow staff and volunteers access through a mobile application so that information isn’t just held in HR. This means they can automatically log in and add their holidays or other days when they will – or will not – be available. This not only helps budget holders, project managers and other senior managers but also allows people to see whether their colleagues are available.
4. Use an online skills matrix
Different projects or events will call for certain skillsets. Having the ability to match the right people to the right projects makes it much easier to ensure that resources are available when they’re required the most. It could be year end and making sure all the finance team are on hand. Or it could be the main annual fundraiser which requires certain people to be involved.
5. Ensure everyone uses the system
When everyone is using the same online absence management system to book holidays, time in lieu, sick days and highlight availability, it provides a specific process so that everyone is treated alike – whether a staff member or a volunteer. It also means that all absence information is stored in one central system for easy access.
6. Provide clear policies and frameworks
When there is a clear absence policy in place everyone knows what’s expected of them. It encourages individuals to plan and not to have everyone off at the same time. It makes for a much more efficient use of resource and keeps the costs of absence management down too.
Find out more about managing absence for charities: