What is Absence?
Absence refers to a time away during their scheduled working hours. It is generally categorised into two types: authorised and unauthorised absence.
Authorised Absence is when staff obtain approval from their manager or supervisor, which is typically their paid time-off.
Examples include,
- Approved leaves
- Sick leave supported by medical certificates, if required
- Maternity/paternity leaves
- Compensatory leave for additional hours worked (Off in Lieu)
These need to comply with the organisation’s policies and procedures even with authorisation through advance notice or documentation requirements.
Unauthorised Absence is when staff does not get approvals or justify.
Examples include,
- Long sick leaves without adequate medical proof
- Employees on leave without prior communication or approval
- Arriving late or leaving early from work before the scheduled without reporting manager’s approval
Challenges of Managing Absence
Can levy multiple challenges for HR
- Administrative Burden as HR teams must track, record, and monitor absences accurately.
- Policy Enforcement for ensuring compliance with company policies and labour laws.
- Employee Engagement from preventing unauthorised employee unavailability and fostering employee loyalty.
Common Causes of Unauthorised Absence
- Unmotivated / Disengaged employees (Employees who feel disengaged or unmotivated)
- Poor work environment (employees feeling unsupported, overwhelmed, or unvalued)
- Health issues
- Financial Struggles
FAQs
What is AWOL?
AWOL is an abbreviation of “Absent Without Leave”. The term is often used in the military to highlight the absence of personnel from their post. When an individual is not in their assigned location without permission or authorization, it will be considered AWOL and a serious disciplinary offense.
What if an employee is absent without leave?
Firstly, contact the employee to know the reason behind their unavailability. When the employee is not reachable, follow the company guidelines to handle such situations like warning mails or disciplinary actions. If there is reliable leave management software in place, it will be much easier for the HR teams to handle absences effortlessly.
In corporate, how many days can you go AWOL?
After three to five days, most corporate settings consider the AWOL of employee as job abandonment. However, it might vary as per the organisation’s policy. Some firms may have specific guidelines while others go with general trends.