Absenteeism is the pattern of employees being away from work unexpectedly - not on approved leave - measured as a rate across the workforce or tracked per individual where it becomes a concern.
What it means
A single absence is rarely significant on its own; absenteeism becomes an HR issue when a pattern emerges - frequent short absences, or absences clustering around weekends - that suggests something beyond occasional illness.
Where it fits in
Time and attendance systems are what capture the raw absence data, and unplanned absence that exceeds sick leave entitlement typically becomes unpaid leave, both of which payroll has to reflect correctly in the period it occurs.
Key rules
- Unplanned absence from work, distinct from approved leave.
- Becomes an HR concern when it forms a recognisable pattern.
- Captured through time and attendance tracking.
- Absence beyond sick leave entitlement usually becomes unpaid leave in payroll.
