What does absenteeism refer to?

Absenteeism refers specifically to the practice of not reporting to work when one is scheduled to be there. It is typically measured over a specific period of time and can include both unexcused absences, such as no-shows, as well as potential patterns of behavior where an employee may frequently miss work for various reasons. Understanding absenteeism is crucial for human resource management as it can impact productivity, team dynamics, and overall organizational effectiveness.

Regular attendance at work pertains to employees who consistently show up as expected, which is the opposite of absenteeism. Reporting to work late emphasizes tardiness rather than absence, indicating that an employee is still present, albeit not at the proper time. Taking planned leave, such as vacation days or personal days, does not fall under absenteeism as these absences are scheduled and often properly communicated in advance. Thus, the concept of absenteeism specifically isolates the situation where employees fail to report for duty.