Absenteeism Definition

Absenteeism describes unscheduled absences or missed workdays in the workplace.

Absenteeism Extended Definition
Absenteeism in the workplace may be the result of legitimate issues such as illness, family matters, or unexpected personal commitments.

Other times, absenteeism may be the direct result of conditions within the workplace. These conditions or factors include:

Burnout
Poor management
Disengagement
Unfavorable work environments
Lack of commitment to the job

Advanced time off requests or vacation leave are typically not considered absenteeism.

To determine the ratio of absences to workdays during a period (e.g., month), you can calculate your business’s absenteeism rate.

Last Updated By

Rachel Blakely-Gray | Feb 14, 2023

Check out Our Payroll Software

Starts at $17/month +$4 per employee (or 1099 contractor)
30-day free trial
Free USA-based support
Free Direct Deposit
Easy to use, but powerful
Very happy customers!

See a Demo