Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
You have a project that needs to be completed. There is a problem with absenteeism in your group. Not just your group, but it is a problem at this company which you are contracted to. You have successfully had your current team work overtime on weekdays or on weekends. And, in some cases, when time has permitted, you have had a contractor join the team, get up to speed quickly, and assist with some issues. But the rest of the project needs to be completed, and is missing team members, because of absenteeism. How have you dealt with such an issue? Saving Changes...
Why is absenteeism such a chronic issue within the team and company as a whole? Could it be there is a toxic culture? As a leader, I'd suggest understand the reasons underlying the absenteeism and trying to address those within your team if possible. If not, then escalation to the functional managers OR staff augmentation might be your only choices.
Absenteeism is a real issue. If this is because of vacation times, then I would think this could be planned ahead in our timelines. If this is some sudden absence of members, I am afraid there is nothing we can do. I hope a contingency was added in the original plan for sudden absenteeism. We only try to manage to deliver within the deadlines and if it is not possible because of absenteeism, there is nothing more we can do. At least I am not aware of anything else I can do. Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
Appreciate the responses folks. This is sound advice. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Marcus
if you manage to establish a team spirit, a vision, mutual support and cohesion, you will be able to overcome absenteeism for your project.
Certainly the environment in the company has an influence, but you are the one who builds your team.
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1 reply by Marcus Udokang
Aug 23, 2020 1:07 PM
Marcus Udokang
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Team building is certainly a key component to project success. Appreciate the feedback, Thomas.
Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
Availability of resources should have been identified as a project risk from the beginning and appropriate mitigation measures developed. Once the risk is in play it is a bit late to respond - your options are limited, reducing probability of the event occurring is no longer available and reversing the trend is most likely not achievable. All you can do now is respond.
One measure may be to package the deliverable and assign such packages to external resources (sub-contract).
Try for a re-start - shut the project down for a set time and do some barn-storming with the team is an attempt to find cause, effect and a solution.
Accept the situation, throw your hands in the air and say "not my problem". Then adjust the schedule and ask for more funding. - consider looking for another position.
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1 reply by Marcus Udokang
Aug 23, 2020 1:06 PM
Marcus Udokang
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Spreading out risk is certainly key to success. KFC recently found that out. As an example of poor planning, they chose DHL as their sole carrier, when they should have spread out their risk by choosing multiple carriers.
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
Aug 23, 2020 11:17 AM
Replying to Peter Rapin
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Availability of resources should have been identified as a project risk from the beginning and appropriate mitigation measures developed. Once the risk is in play it is a bit late to respond - your options are limited, reducing probability of the event occurring is no longer available and reversing the trend is most likely not achievable. All you can do now is respond.
One measure may be to package the deliverable and assign such packages to external resources (sub-contract).
Try for a re-start - shut the project down for a set time and do some barn-storming with the team is an attempt to find cause, effect and a solution.
Accept the situation, throw your hands in the air and say "not my problem". Then adjust the schedule and ask for more funding. - consider looking for another position.
Spreading out risk is certainly key to success. KFC recently found that out. As an example of poor planning, they chose DHL as their sole carrier, when they should have spread out their risk by choosing multiple carriers.
