Time Off: How Humaculture® can Employ Behavioral Principles to Improve Time Off and Leave Design

Situation

  • A top ranked private university with 2,000 faculty and staff experienced significant use and abuse of sick leave
  • Existing programs were complex, promoted entitlement
  • Faced $6M annual cost and $5M in liability

Approach

  • Redesigned leave and disability programs to:
    • Fit desired employee value proposition
    • Drive accountability and workplace behaviors
    • Simplify programs and administration

Results Include

  • An improved workplace culture
  • Improved manager toolbox
  • Drastic Improvement in relationship between employee and manager
  • More accountable and reliable workforce as measured by:
    • 52% reduction in unscheduled absence
    • 72% reduction in extended absence
  • With additional value of improved employee relations as measured by:
    • 95% reduction in related employee relations issues
    • 29% reduction in high performer turnover and
    • 36% increased low performer turnover

The PTO program produced an accountable workforce, which was more attractive to high performing faculty and staff who valued reliable support.