Absence Management

Definition and Meaning:

Absence management refers to the HR process for tracking, managing, and reducing employee absence in the workplace. Absence management enables the HR team to monitor employee attendance patterns, implement leave policies, and identify employees who are routinely absent, while ensuring the continuity of business operations. A good absence management system provides for accurate payroll processing, equitable treatment of employees, and improved workforce planning.

Important Aspects of HR

• Accurately tracks employee attendance/leave.
• Minimizes unplanned or frequent absenteeism that impacts productivity.
• Connects attendance details to salary calculations to support accurate payroll.
• Using HRMS allows for the early detection of Patterns of Absenteeism.
• Supports improved workforce planning and shift assignment in institutions based in India.

Legal Compliance

In India, there is not one central piece of legislation that formally requires an organization to have an absence management policy; an organization’s absence management policies need to comply with:

• The applicable Shops and Establishments Act(s) in the relevant state.
• The Factories Act, 1948 (for manufacturing units).
• An organization’s policy on attendance and leave.

Disciplinary action taken in relation to absence must follow organisational policies and the principles of natural justice.