Absenteeism is when an employee stays away from work without permission, but there is a clear indication that they will return. While it might not seem like a big deal when you are away, it is if you consider that, on average, 15%–30% of South African staff could be absent any given day. Suddenly, the numbers don’t seem so small. This is because there is an even bigger number:the cost of absenteeism.
According to workplace health and wellness solutions company Occupational Care South Africa, absenteeism costs the economy between R12 billion and R16 billion each year. Hence it is in a company and country’s best interests to manage the practice.
NOT AS IT SEEMS
Absenteeism is a complex issue that doesn’t only mean not being at work. According to the South African Labour Guide, it includes arriving late, leaving early and taking extended breaks.
It also includes attending to private business during working hours, feigning illness and other unexplained absences from your workstation. This means spending an inordinate amount of time on Facebook or on your cellphone, instead of doing your work, counts as absenteeism.
It was established that two out
of three employees who fail to go to work aren’t physically ill, which points to other reasons. Other leading causes of absenteeism are low job satisfaction, boring repetitive work and unfair treatment. According to a study conducted by the Society of Radiographers of South Africa on absenteeism and presenteeism (working while sick), absenteeism is the biggest problem that a manager has to handle on an ongoing basis.
THE IMPACT
Because some of the reasons for missing work are not self- induced, many employers have procedures in place to ensure that the business can continue without too much hassle. However, when an employee is absent for a longer and suspicious period of time, it does raise a few questions. It also impacts the productivity of the business
and disrupts the workforce. “Absent employees not only cause a burden to the company, but their colleagues as well,” says Ziyanda Maliwa, an HR consultant at a financial services group.
She adds that absenteeism impacts productivity, target and service delivery, resulting in the team’s morale because often others have to carry the load.
Ziyanda advises that the following process be followed when an employee has been absent without an explanation for an unreasonable amount of time such as more than three consecutive days:
The employer must contact the employee on day four to ascertain their whereabouts and instruct that they report for duty the next day.Should the employee fail to do so after being duly instructed, the employer may proceed to send a termination letter.
However, managers should use their discretion depending on individual cases, but here are some guidelines:First offence – Counselling and/or written warning, also referred to as corrective disciplinary action.
Second offence – Formal discussion with a final written warning.
Third time around – disciplinary hearing, which may lead to dismissal. ‘Minor instancesof absenteeism, which cause little or no disruption or cost to the company require corrective disciplinary action. Only when the problem persists, should absenteeism justify dismissal,’ advises Ziyanda.
MANAGEMENT OF ABSENTEEISM
South Africa has some robust laws that manage labour issues, including abseentism and leave. In addition, financial losses. It also impacts an employee is provided with an employment contract and the company’s policies that they need to adhere to. “This information is provided so that the employee can fully understand whatis expected of them while in the company’s employment. Everything, from working hours to leave days, is stipulated in the contract,” explains Ziyanda.
It is also up to the line manager to communicate the steps to be taken in an event where you cannot report for duty or
are late. ‘Management is also encouraged to engage with staff so that they know whether there are any issues that could affect their performance,’ she adds. The company can also put in place an employee- assistance programme in order to help them better manage their daily stressors.
LAST WORD
It is advisable for you to know that when a company employs you, work attendance plays a vital role. ‘When a company recruits new talent, it will be looking for someone to contribute positively to its vision by means of their skills and attributes,’ emphasises Ziyanda. If then you don’t report for duty, it will have a negative impact on the organisation. She advises that the reason an individual is appointed in any organisation is to deliver on certain tasks that have been identified specifically for that role. Therefore, when you don’t go to work, your duties cannot be fulfilled, impacting the organisation’s growth and profitability
