The causes and impacts of workplace absenteeism on organizational performance : a study of public sector organizations in Maldives / Mariyam Rihulaa

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore absenteeism in Maldives public sector and its causes and impacts on organizational performance resulting from absenteeism. Government institutions' are faced with delayed productivity, poor performance, inefficient service delivery, in this manner absenteeism negatively affects sustainability. Workplace Absenteeism is therefore, a significant issue in the field of human resource management. The extensiveness of absenteeism in the public sector requires investigation so that valuable findings and contributions can be made that will, eventually, empower organizational management and clearly contribute to the research problem being studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of absenteeism among government offices and its impacts to the organizational performance. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative research approach was conducted. The total population of 90 respondents was targeted, with an 80% response rate achieved. A survey questionnaire was administered to gather data from the target population. The research has shown attending exams, sickness and family responsibilities are the highest factors leading to employee absenteeism. Organizations and employees were negatively affected due to absenteeism and it was recommended to introduce absence management policy, attendance bonus as well as improve working conditions.