I learnt something new today, a technique that I’d not previously known about. It’s the practice of paying employees a premium for their attendance.
When I first heard about this concept, my first reaction was one of confusion. Why would somebody pay their staff in excess of their normal wage, just for showing up? Surely that’s part of their regular job. Now, the way this had been implemented was a “raffle” type arrangement. Staff who receive one entry for every day they attend work. After a period, a winner is drawn, and a cash prize is awarded.
The longer I think about this, the more it seems like a reasonable idea. Sure, it costs a little, but it might solve some endemic attendance problems within certain organisations. It’s not without it’s trouble, however.
Consider, for example, presenteeism. This could lead to dedicated staff members attending when they’re under the weather and should be home, whilst having a negligible effect on chronic absentees. You might very well be creating more problems than you are solving.
Another issue is one of equal opportunity and fairness. Essentially, you may be excluding somebody from the attendance “raffle” because they have a very real health issue. I’m not a lawyer, but to me this seems to be a potential trouble area.
I’d be interested to hear of anybody else who is using this type of arrangement, and how you find it works. For me, the jury is still out.
I could see having some sort of fun event for the folks in attendance. For example, a Wii tournament with prizes.
Interesting concept! Thanks!