Absenteeism

What is Absenteeism ?

Absenteeism refers to the repeated or accumulated unplanned absences of an employee during their regular working hours. This phenomenon can be occasional or chronic and may significantly impact productivity, team management, and operational costs, especially in sectors like construction where on-site presence is essential.

What is the difference between justified and unjustified absenteeism?

Absenteeism can be:

• Justified when it is supported by a legitimate reason (illness, parental leave, medical appointment, etc.) and backed by official documents such as a medical certificate.
• Unjustified when no valid reason is provided or when it occurs repeatedly without notice.

Unjustified absences may lead to disciplinary action depending on the company’s internal policies.

What are common causes of absenteeism?

The causes can vary:

• Physical or mental health (illnesses, stress, burnout)
• Personal or family issues
• Difficult working conditions or lack of recognition
• Conflicts with management or colleagues
• Lack of motivation or engagement

How to prevent absenteeism in the workplace?

To reduce absenteeism, SMEs can adopt effective management practices such as:

• Using work schedule management software to better plan resources.
• Implementing a digital time tracking system to monitor attendance in real time.
• Regularly analyzing data from digital timesheets to identify trends and act promptly.
• Establishing clear policies on absences and internal communication.

Frequently asked questions about absenteeism

What is the difference between absenteeism and tardiness?

Tardiness refers to arriving after the scheduled start time, while absenteeism refers to a complete or prolonged absence during a work period.

How is absenteeism measured?

The absenteeism rate is usually calculated by dividing the total number of hours or days of absence by the total number of hours or days theoretically worked, multiplied by 100. This indicator helps monitor absence trends and adjust management policies accordingly.

Is absenteeism a performance indicator?

Indirectly, yes. A high rate may indicate a deteriorated work environment, lack of motivation, or work overload. Conversely, a low rate often reflects a healthy work atmosphere and effective human resources management.

What tools can be used to track absenteeism?

Solutions like employee time tracking apps or electronic calendars help collect and analyze absence data in the workplace.