Managing summer absence

The main holiday season is always likely to give local bosses a headache as you struggle to ensure that output and quality is maintained. Many companies, particularly small businesses, find it difficult to cope as staff take leave. Badly managed absence can lead to problems associated with:

missed deadlines due to limited resources
a decline in customer satisfaction levels
low morale among colleagues expected to take on extra responsibilities
hiring and paying for temporary replacement staff

Business Link Northwest has created this section to provide free advice to help you manage absence and holidays throughout the summer and beyond.

Business Link Northwest is your free to use, independent business support and information service. If you would like to talk to us call our business adviser team on 0845 00 66 888 or use our contact us form.

Holiday calculator

Need help to calculate your employee's holiday entitlement? Use our holiday calculator to make sure you get it right.

Three hot tips for managing summer absence

1. Plan how you're going to manage staff leave.

2. Try to dissuade key employees from taking holidays at the same time and make sure they know you are grateful for their cooperation in this.

3. Call in some cover. With the peak holiday season looming, look at your staffing options and the possibility of recruiting over this busy period. Small businesses get caught out more than other businesses when it comes to being left in the lurch in holiday season.

Read more top tips on how to manage absence throughout the summer.

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Managing summer absence