In this project, we work together with Mensura to explore why small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to take a preventive approach to absenteeism, and to develop solutions that fit their day to day reality.
Type project
Applied, practice based research in co creation with companies and experts
When an employee is absent for a longer period, it has a direct impact on the team, planning, and costs. Yet many SMEs still invest only limited effort in prevention and support around absenteeism.
This is not because the issue is seen as unimportant, but because existing solutions often do not fit their reality. They are too complex, too costly, or not sufficiently aligned with what SMEs truly need.
That is why this project aims to better understand the specific challenges SMEs face and what can help them address absenteeism earlier and more effectively.
Building preventive absenteeism approaches together with SMEs
In this project, we collaborate with SMEs and Mensura to better understand what organizations need to take a more preventive approach to absenteeism. Companies are actively involved and share their experiences, challenges, and ideas.
Based on these insights, we work together with Mensura to assess which existing services are effective, where adjustments are needed, and where new solutions should be developed. In this way, we gradually build an offering that better fits the day to day reality of SMEs.
“What we see in this project is that SMEs do not need complex models, but solutions that work within their day to day reality. By putting their experiences at the center, we make the prevention of absenteeism more understandable and achievable.”
—
Eva Geluk, Professor of Mental Health at Work at Antwerp Management School
Project approach
The project runs over three years and consists of several phases. In the first phase, we examine how SMEs currently deal with absenteeism and the challenges they face. We gather insights from companies and combine these with the expertise of Mensura.
Next, we assess which solutions best fit different types of companies. Some existing services are adapted, while others need to be developed from scratch.
In a later phase, one or more solutions are tested in practice, allowing us to learn what truly works.
The benefits of the project
This project provides both SMEs and Mensura with valuable insights and practical support in preventing absenteeism.
For SMEs, this means:
practical insights into how to better address absenteeism
solutions that fit the reality of smaller organizations
accessible support for preventing absenteeism
For Mensura, this leads to:
a deeper understanding of the needs of SMEs
a service offering that better matches different types of companies
new or adapted interventions that are more effective for SMEs
“With this partnership, we combine scientific knowledge and practical experience to help companies address absenteeism more effectively. Together, we are building sustainable solutions that promote wellbeing in the workplace.”
—
Gretel Schrijvers, CEO at Mensura
A typology of SMEs as a basis for targeted absenteeism solutions
The aim of this project is to better understand how SMEs deal with absenteeism and what helps them take a more preventive approach.
Based on these insights, we develop a clear typology of SMEs along with a set of solutions tailored to their specific needs. What makes this project particularly valuable is that SMEs receive a truly customized approach to tackling absenteeism, taking into account the reality of smaller organizations, where budgets are often more limited.
This may include adapted or new services from Mensura, helping companies detect absenteeism earlier, provide better support, and prevent it more effectively.
In addition, insights are shared through whitepapers, blogs, and presentations, enabling other organizations to learn from the findings as well.
Partners
Publications
Antwerp Management School welcomes Mensura as a partner
Antwerp Management School (AMS) and Mensura, Belgium’s largest external service for workplace prevention and protection, are expanding their previous collaboration into a trusted, agile, and constructive partnership.
