Does absence make the heart grow fonder or is it just another labour cost?

Last year on this page, we reviewed how to measure sickness related absence, with a short assessment of the cost of sickness absence to an organisation that identified some steps to reduce both short-term and long-term absence - including the prudent use of disciplinary procedures. As we are approaching the season of colds, flu (and perhaps the odd hangover!) it may well be appropriate to revisit the topic, with some additional thoughts on certification and stress.