ABSENTEEISM

Employees presence at work place during schedule time is highly essential for the smooth running of the production process in particular and the organization in general. Despite the significance of employee presence, employees sometimes fail to report at work place during scheduled time, which is known as absenteeism.

Absenteeism is the average percentage of workers absent from work per day for any reason.

TYPES OF ABSENTEEISM

Absenteeism is of four types:

Authorized absenteeism Unauthorized absenteeism Willful absenteeism Absenteeism caused by circumstances beyond ones control

Causes of Absenteeism

Maladjustment with the working conditions Low level of wages Maladjustment with the job demands Indebtness Alcoholism Unhealthy working conditions

Calculation of Absenteeism rate

Absenteeism can be calculated with the formula:

Absenteeism rate =

no. of man days lost no. of man days scheduled to work

* 100

Absenteeism rate can be calculated for different employees and for different time periods like month and year.

Frequency Rate:
It reflects the incidence of absence and is usually expressed as the number of separate absence in a given period, irrespective of length of absences. The frequency rate represents the average number of absence per worker in a given period. Frequency Rate = Total no. of times in which the leave was availed *100

Total no of man days scheduled to

Minimising absenteeism/measures to control absenteeism

Measures are as follows: Proper Hiring: It is necessary that people with rights skills and experience are selected. Every employee should as far as possible be assigned work according to capabilities, aptitude and interest.

Good working condition: Proper sanitation, drinking water, canteen, first aid, rest pauses and mechanization can help to reduce absenteeism by making work environment pleasant.

Safety programmes: Adequate safety measures help to minimize industrial accidents and reduce fear of injury among employees. As a result attendance becomes improved.
Incentives: Special bonus, cash prizes and preference in promotion to regular employees encourage workers to be regular in their attendance. Effective supervision: Supervisors can considerably reduce absenteeism by earning the confidence and commitment of workers.

Regular leave provision: A provision should be made wherein every worker can avail a few days of leave during a year. Holidays with pay will enable a worker to attend to his private affairs.
Proper Records: Detailed and update records of absenteeism should be maintained. Absenteeism above the predetermined level should be carefully analyzed age wise, month wise and other bases.