Absenteeism in the Workplace

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses workplace absenteeism, which is defined as unscheduled employee absences from the workplace. It describes the different types of absenteeism that exist and the problems that it causes, such as how it cuts into a company's efficiency, profitability and sometimes even workplace harmony. The paper then discusses how businesses can deal with the issues that affect the organization negatively.

From the Paper:

"Stress is another area that managers may feel intimidated trying to tackle. The triggers for stress are unique to each person, and may be entirely out of the managers' control. While firms can focus on major stress factors that directly stem from the workplace - physical environment, workplace uncertainty, manager/worker and worker/worker conflict - firms may feel powerless to deal with other stress factors that cost them money.
"Slowly, managers are coming to grips with this complex and costly problem. Workplace wellness programs are being developed, and larger firms are developed comprehensive solutions incorporating personal issues, stress, preventative health and workplace environment. As the problem becomes understood in greater detail and the systems and theories to manage it are developed more fully, much of the reluctance and trepidation amongst managers to tackle the problem will subside."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bertera, RL. "The Effects of Behavioral Risks on Absenteeism and Health-Care Costs in the Workplace." Journal of Occupational Medicine Vol. 33, no. 11, pp. 1119-1124. 1991.
• Halpern, Michael T; Shikiar, Richard; Rentz, Anne M; Khan, Zeba M. "Impact of Smoking Status on Workplace Absenteeism and Productivity." Tobacco Control Online. 8 May 2001. BMJ Journals. Retrieved 24 Feb 2008. <http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/10/3/233>
• Workplace Attendance and Absenteeism. The Australasian Faculty of Occupational Medicine. Sydney: Royal Australasian College of Physicians. December 1999.
• "Absenteeism Costs Companies More than Ever." BenefitsWorld.com. Revised 12 Jan 2005. CCH Incorporated. Retrieved 24 Feb 2008. <http://www.benefitsworld.com/AA/AbMgt/Absenteeism1002.asp>
• Dong, Alice; Doupe, Lisa; Gardiner, Edward; Ross, Michael; Mendel, James. "Mental Illness and Workplace Absenteeism" OMA.org. 4 Jan 2002. Ontario Medical Assocation. Retrieved 24 Feb 2008. <http://www.oma.org/pcomm/OMR/apr/02returnwork.htm>

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