Definition: Absenteeism refers to the number of employees that did not report to work to fill their scheduled shifts. It considers employees that called to report illnesses or personal reasons, as well as those that did not show up without calling ahead. Employees on assigned days off or approved time-offs are not considered for absenteeism. However, it does not usually consider lateness or early departures as it tends to only check if the employee was present or not.
Calculation: (Absent Employees)/ (Total Employees Scheduled)
Benchmark: Less than 5% daily is generally considered acceptable.
Importance: Customers will show up as expected, whether or not employees are present, and absenteeism increases the workload of the team that is present and degrades the customer experience. Preparations should be in place to buffer moderate absenteeism, and employees should be accountable for providing adequate notice so that performance impact can be mitigated.
Strategies to Address Absenteeism:
- Employee Well-being Programs: Implement employee well-being initiatives, such as stress management workshops, health screenings, and wellness programs, to support employees’ physical and mental health.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to help employees balance work and personal responsibilities.
- Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and reward employees for their attendance and contributions to foster a positive work environment and increase motivation.
- Return-to-Work Interviews: Conduct return-to-work interviews to understand the reasons for the absence, offer support, and identify any underlying issues.
- Employee Engagement Surveys: Regularly conduct employee engagement surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and identify potential causes of absenteeism.
Alternate Terms: No Shows, Call Outs