Are you frustrated by employee absenteeism and the negative effect that it has on your operations, customer support and profit level? Are you looking for ways to improve the attendance and productivity of your workers?

Here are a few suggestions:

- First, realize that you can make a difference. The situation is changeable. If you take proactive steps, attendance can improve.

- Let your employees know that you care about them. Stress and personal responsibilities are part of life for your employees. Let them know that you understand and appreciate their dedication.

- Lead by example with your attendance. Demonstrate the personal discipline and commitment that you hope to instill in your workers.

- Emphasize the link between attendance and productivity. Ensure that all employees understand the importance of the role that they play in the success of the business. Explain the result that absenteeism has on the rest of the team and your customers.

- Learn what motivates your employees. Consider a survey to learn if money, recognition, promotion or time off drives your employees.

- Consider job enrichment. Cross-training and job rotation can improve employee appreciation for the overall business and mitigate the effect of employee absences.

- Create a bank of personal time days. Modify the traditional assortment of vacation, personal and sick days. Consider empowering your employees to manage their total time bank. It gives them the responsibility and the ability to balance their work and home obligations.

- Prize pool. Consider modest but visible awards for punctuality and attendance.

- Make work more fun. Are there ways to make coming to work more fun and enjoyable? A healthy working environment has room for celebrations and team building.

Try these suggestions to increase the time that your employees spend at and on your business. They'll appreciate the effort, and you'll profit from their improved dedication and performance.

— Sandra J. Sunken , a certified public accountant, is a principal of Sunken Accountancy Corp., with an office at 1891 Goodyear Ave., Suite 618, Ventura. Call 658-1272 with questions.