Editor, Amandala

January 31, 2023

Dear Editor,

Chronic absenteeism impacts performance in the workplace. Sadly, the ones mostly affected are the customers/clients, since absenteeism contributes to poorer quality service. Absenteeism from work can be detrimental to the work environment. Furthermore, it can have far-reaching implications and can affect morale, productivity and overall goals.

There is an urgent need to address this practice if we are to provide customers/clients with efficient service that they rightfully deserve.

Absenteeism is an indicator of many problems in the workplace, and sometimes as managers/administrators, we forget to reflect on why some members of our staff are not producing the desired results. In many cases, though, it’s not intentional; it’s just that the focus is on other areas that are assumed to be more important.

In an effort to minimize absenteeism in the workplace, the following are my suggestions: Try to find the root causes of absenteeism. Build a healthy relationship with your staff by getting to know their strengths and struggles. Offer them some form of incentives or reward that will motivate them to want to come to work regularly. Let them feel a sense of ownership and belonging by listening to their concerns, and valuing their opinions and contributions. Be empathetic but firm. Engage in ongoing training in the form of workshops and/or seminars that build capacity, and foster empowerment and upward social mobility. Be reasonable and considerate.

My point is that the issue of absenteeism should not be ignored. Managers/administrators have the responsibility to know about the causes of absenteeism and put mechanisms in place that are geared towards resolving or minimizing it. That’s how I see it.

A retired teacher,
Delbert Garcia, Sr.