Employee Absenteeism

1.1 INTRODUCTION

In a developing economy, most of the industries are suffering with low productivity and high cost of production. The factors for such conditions are many but one of the most important factors of production is the human resource, which is not utilized to the optimum extent.

The regularity, stability and commitment of the labor force are the governing factors for an efficient and regular production of an industry.

This study is conducted based on one such factor called ABSENTEEISM.

1.1.1 CONCEPT OF ABSENTEEISM

Absenteeism refers to the failure on the part of employees to report to work through which they are scheduled to work. In other words an unauthorized absence constitutes absenteeism. It is likely a symptom of low morale and declining productivity or little involvement at work as demonstrated by the employees staying away from work.

It is one of the major problems faced by companies across the globe today. Unscheduled absenteeism badly hurts the progress of an organization resulting in loss of productivity, increased costs in hiring additional staff and low morale among the workers.

1.1.2 ABSENTEEISM IN INDIAN INDUSTRIES

Absenteeism in Indian industries is not a new phenomenon. It is the manifestation of a decision by employees not to present themselves at their place of work, at a time when it is planned by the management that they should be in attendance. Many research reports reveal that there has been a phenomenal increase in absenteeism in some industrial sectors. The absenteeism becomes a problem to organizational management particularly when employees absent from their work environment without giving sufficient notice and by justifying their stand by furnishing fake reasons.

1.1.3 TYPES OF ABSENTEEISM

a) INNOCENT ABSENTEEISM

Innocent absenteeism refers to employees who are absent for reasons beyond their control sickness and injury. Innocent absenteeism is not culpable i.e. blameless. In a labor relations context this means...