Absenteeism, in simple terms, refers to the frequent planned and unplanned absence of a staff member. Planned absenteeism covers leave entitlements such as annual or parental leave, as well as team medical treatments. While on the other hand, unplanned absenteeism involves personal or family emergencies. Absenteeism can also be referred to as the unauthorized absence of the employee from his job.
In India, the problem of absenteeism is greater than in other countries. Absenteeism is a serious workplace problem and an expensive occurrence for both employers and employees. Absenteeism reduces the satisfaction level of the employee and makes him unsecured about his job in the organization.
According to the Indian Factories Act, 1948, “Absence is the failure of an employee to report for work on duty when he is scheduled to work on his duty. An employee is to be considered as scheduled to work when the employer has work available” for him and the employee is aware of it.
The effects of Absenteeism
- Reduction in productivity.
- Increased labor costs.
- Impact customer service.
- Poor morale among colleagues.
- If absenteeism is frequent, the employee could even face dismissal.
Some common reasons for Absenteeism in India
- Harassment at work
- Childcare and eldercare at home
- Mental illness
- Injuries or physical illness
- Workload
