Absenteeism

Definition and Meaning:

Absenteeism captures employees’ habitual or repeated absence from work without justification or prior notification; when utilised as part of Human Resource Management’s (HRM) normal course of business, organisations will track employee absenteeism in order to determine patterns of attendance (i.e. frequency) and control for workplace productivity loss, as well to assist in preparing payroll and scheduling/working workforce plans for HRM.

Workforce Management Role

• Increases employee productivity, performance, and overall output.
• Increases the amount of workload on the employees (team members).
• Affects the Attendance and Payroll Accuracy of Employees.
• Will also indicate the level of possible employee engagement & well-being.
• Will be closely monitored through the Attendance Report in the HRMS.

Legal compliance

There are no specific laws related to absenteeism. However, companies manage absenteeism through:

• The Shops and Establishments Act (hours of work and attendance)
• Standing Orders, which include the policies regarding absenteeism.
• Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (the requirement to deduct wages for absences).