Research on absenteeism

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PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION IN CHARTERED CORPORATE SECRETARIES THESIS ON MEASURING AND MANAGING ABSENTEEISM AT AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) LIMITED BANDARANAIKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, KATUNAYAKE Name : Mrs Dona Anuri Kilanthi Nandiweera Membership No.: ICCS/096

Transcript of Research on absenteeism

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION IN CHARTERED

CORPORATE SECRETARIES

THESIS ON

MEASURING AND MANAGING ABSENTEEISM AT

AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) LIMITED

BANDARANAIKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, KATUNAYAKE

Name : Mrs Dona Anuri Kilanthi Nandiweera

Membership No.: ICCS/096

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 01 .................................................................................................................................. 7

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 7

1.1 Background of the study .................................................................................................. 7

1.2 What do we mean by absenteeism? ................................................................................. 7

1.2.1 Absenteeism can be grouped into two categories .................................................... 8

1.3 Effects of Absenteeism in the workplace ....................................................................... 10

1.4 Problem statement of the study ...................................................................................... 11

1.5 Research objectives ........................................................................................................ 11

1.6 Significance of the study ................................................................................................ 12

1.6.1 Why Measure Absenteeism ................................................................................... 12

1.6.2 Administrative costs of Absenteeism: .................................................................... 12

1.6.3 Productivity Costs: ................................................................................................. 13

CHAPTER 02 ................................................................................................................................ 14

LITERTURE REVIEW ................................................................................................................. 14

2.1 Maslow‟s Theory to Manage Absenteeism .................................................................... 14

2.2 Herzberg‟s Two Factor Theory ...................................................................................... 15

2.2.1 Application of Herzberg‟s Theory: ........................................................................ 15

2.3 Expectancy Theory ........................................................................................................ 16

2.3.1 Major factors for applying expectancy theory ....................................................... 17

2.4 Equity Theory ................................................................................................................ 18

2.5 David McClelland‟s - Human Motivation Theory ......................................................... 19

CHAPTER 03 ................................................................................................................................ 20

METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................ 20

3.1 Conceptual framework ................................................................................................... 20

3.1.1 Dependent variable ................................................................................................ 21

3.1.2 Independent variables ............................................................................................ 21

3.2 Ways of Measuring Absenteeism .................................................................................. 23

3.2.1 The Time Lost ........................................................................................................ 23

3.2.2 Calculating the Total Time Lost ............................................................................ 24

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3.2.3 Calculating the Absence Frequency Rate .............................................................. 24

3.3 Sample technique ........................................................................................................... 25

3.4 Data collection method .................................................................................................. 25

3.5 Data analysis method ..................................................................................................... 25

CHAPTER 04 ................................................................................................................................ 26

DATA ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................................ 26

4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 26

4.2 Gender distribution ........................................................................................................ 26

4.3 Age Distribution............................................................................................................. 27

4.4 Employee preference for being absent to work ............................................................. 27

4.5 Impact of personal factors towards absenteeism ............................................................ 28

4.5.1 Willingness to absent based on negative attitudes ................................................. 28

4.5.2 Willingness to absent based on age category ......................................................... 29

4.5.3 Willingness to absent based on gender category .................................................... 29

4.6 Impact of work place towards absenteeism ................................................................... 30

4.6.1 Willingness to absent based on culture .................................................................. 30

4.6.2 Willingness to absent based on motivation ............................................................ 31

4.6.3 Willingness to absent due to absence of learning environment ............................. 31

4.6.4 Willingness to absent due to working stress .......................................................... 32

CHAPTER 05 ................................................................................................................................ 33

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ............................................................................. 33

5.1 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 33

5.2 Measurement and benchmarking ................................................................................... 34

5.3 Managing absenteeism ................................................................................................... 36

5.3.1 Leadership modelling and commitment ................................................................. 36

5.3.2 Work motivation and rewards ................................................................................ 37

5.3.3 Effective Groups and Team Building .................................................................... 37

5.3.4 Recruitment and selection ...................................................................................... 37

5.3.5 Employee orientation and training ......................................................................... 38

5.3.6 Performance Appraisal ........................................................................................... 38

5.4 Solutions to control absenteeism.................................................................................... 38

5.4.1 Address Debt in the Workplace ............................................................................. 38

5.4.2 Create an Absenteeism Policy................................................................................ 38

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5.4.3 Conduct „Return to Work‟ Interviews.................................................................... 39

5.4.4 An Effective Employee Assistance Programme .................................................... 39

5.4.5 Ask Employees what they want and Implement what is Possible ......................... 39

5.4.6 Reward Great Results............................................................................................. 39

5.4.7 Provide a Good Working Environment ................................................................. 39

5.4.8 Keep the Lines of Communication Open ............................................................... 40

5.4.9 Introduce Workplace Stress Strategy ..................................................................... 40

5.4.10 Workplace organization, work and management practices .................................... 41

REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................. 42

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1: Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................................... 20

Figure 4.1: Gender distribution of the responders in the sample............................................................ 26

Figure 4.2: Age distribution of the responders in the sample .................................................................. 27

Figure 4.3: Employee preference for being absent to work ..................................................................... 27

Figure 4.4: Willingness to absent based on negative attitudes ................................................................ 28

Figure 4.5: Willingness to absent based on age category ......................................................................... 29

Figure 4.6: Willingness to absent based on gender category ................................................................... 29

Figure 4.7 Willingness to absent based on culture .................................................................................... 30

Figure 4.8: Willingness to absent based on motivation ............................................................................ 31

Figure 4.9 Willingness to absent due to absence of learning environment ............................................. 31

Figure 4.10 Willingness to absent due to working stress ......................................................................... 32

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Mr Rajitha Silva, my thesis supervisor for his wise counsel, constant

encouragement and professional guidance during the study.

Mrs M C G Mahipala, Head of Human Resources/Company Secretary of Airport

& Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, for granting permission to extract the

laid down procedures and policies.

Mr Aruna Rajapaksha, Airport Manager/ Colombo Airport, Ratmalana of Airport

& Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, for the guidance and encouragement in

compilation of the areas relevant to the study.

My colleagues in the Airport Management Division, Airport & Aviation Services

(Sri Lanka) Limited, Colombo Airport, Ratmalana for their kind support and

encouragement.

Mr Kishantha Nimalaratne, Senior Air Traffic Controller, Airport & Aviation

Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport for his

assistance with the editing and layout of the thesis.

My family for their patience, love and affirmation.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Productivity loss due to absenteeism is a serious growing challenge.

We live in an absenteeism culture. Talking a day off and calling in sick is supported and

encouraged by the society. Many people‟s attitude is” The time is coming to us” (Robert

F.Allen and Michael Higgens - the Absenteeism Culture. Becoming attendance oriented.)

Absence measurement and management is an increasingly growing body of knowledge

and experience that managers apply to control and reduce absenteeism and its accruing

costs.

To ensure that the issue of absenteeism is effectively addressed, managers and

supervisors armed with the required guidance and training, need to understand the

circumstances and factors surrounding absenteeism in the workplace, and thus actively

participate in the company‟s procedures and policies to effective curb absenteeism in the

workplace.

Employers attempt to cut down excessive employee absenteeism through tighter controls.

They demand doctor‟s report or use some other punitive mechanisms that targets

symptoms of absenteeism rather than its causes. The problem will not go away unless the

underlying root causes are removed. Building an attendance culture!

How should absenteeism effectively be managed, via triggers or incentives? Or else using

Carrots or sticks?

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CHAPTER 01

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Absenteeism from workplace has been on the increase and may be an indicative of poor

morale, lack of motivation, sick building syndrome, poor organizational policies or mere

indiscipline from the employees. However, many employers have introduced and

implemented absence policies which make no distinction between absence for genuine

reasons or illness and absence for inappropriate reasons. One of these policies is the

calculation of the Bradford Factor, which only factors total number and frequency of

individual absence into account, neglecting the kind of absence.

Workers decide to stay away from work for a host of other reasons relating to work and

personal issues, which range from job de-motivation, low pay, lack of work life balance

and occasional hangover.

Absenteeism has been viewed traditionally as a breach of an implicit contract between

employee and employer, as a management problem and has been framed in economic

terms. This report will critically discuss the causes and effects of absenteeism in the

workplace with the view to derive effective ways to measure and manage absenteeism. It

will seek to understand absenteeism as an indicator of psychological, social adjustment to

work.

1.2 What do we mean by absenteeism?

According to dictionary reference.com, Absenteeism can be defined as habitual failure to

appear, especially for work and other regular duty. It is also explained as the occurrence

rate of habitual absence of work or duty.

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Absenteeism can be viewed as re-occurring absence from work, duty and obligation,

thought to reflect employee demoralization or dissatisfaction.

This can also be viewed as a breach of the implicit contract that exists between the

employer and the employed.

Simply put, Failure to report to or stay at work when scheduled is tagged absenteeism.

1.2.1 Absenteeism can be grouped into two categories

Involuntary/Innocent absenteeism

This is when absences are unavoidable and understandable. This kind of absenteeism can

be occurred due to death in the family, pregnancy or maternity issues, absences caused by

illness or injury, car/ vehicle issues, other family related or personal issues, accidents and

natural disasters, disability-related absenteeism- Human rights obligations.

Voluntary/Culpable Absenteeism

Voluntary absenteeism is an instance where an employee, out of his own freewill or

laziness, chooses to stay off work. Absences in this case are avoidable. This kind of

absenteeism can be occurred due to missing work without advance notice to go on a trip

or watch cricket match, making excuses for consistent late coming to work,

deceitfully/fraudulently applying for sick leave or calling in „sick‟ and failure to report to

work as scheduled or showing up late for no good reason.

Voluntary Absenteeism also takes place where the employees feel there is a strain on

their psychological contract with the employer, this indirectly erupts lack of

organizational commitment. This strain could develop to stress and impact on employee

attendance to work.

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Leadership Style

An organization‟s, team or unit leadership style could impact on employee

commitment, job satisfaction with improved or impaired participation and

attendance to work.

While democratic and laissez fair leadership style encourages shared decision making,

shared responsibility, creativity and participation and can be highly motivational, which

enhances teamwork and interpersonal relations. Autocratic and paternalistic leadership

styles could de-motivate and alienate employees. Employees might feel less important in

the organization, hence the need to avoid work.

Work Routine and lack of Change

Doing the same job or task over a long period of time can get monotonous. The

employees get bored and thus might choose to take unauthorized time off to do

something he considers interesting than going to work.

Job Satisfaction

If employees do not find their work interesting, satisfying and challenging, they

feel dissatisfied, which leads to increased absenteeism in the workplace.

Work life balance

Organization that not factor employee‟s roles and work life such that a balance is

stroked with work and the individual‟s personal life commitments and family

would experience increased employee absenteeism.

Conflict in the workplace

Ultimately increases chances of employee absenteeism.

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Lack of team spirit

A team that lacks unity, synergy and good interpersonal relationship amongst its

members, will be a weak and unproductive. Such team members will lack team

spirit-the spirit that bonds individuals in a team. This lack of team spirit can de-

motivate team members, make them work in isolation, they would lack the sense

of belonging, love and satisfaction. There would exist, fears of the unknown, lack

of trust for team members. These feelings will encourage an employee to stay off

work.

Social Factors

It consists with factors such as difficult community circumstances such as high

crime and intimidation rates which constitutes fear in employee‟s catalyses

absenteeism in the workplace.

Other social factors are -

Repetitive Public Holidays fall in-between working days

Lack of transportation/transport facilities

Poverty levels

Re-structuring

Harassment/Violence

Labour Strikes

1.3 Effects of Absenteeism in the workplace

When a company has an absentee problem, it has a profit problem. Absenteeism can take

a deep financial toll on any business, whether a small or multinational company. There

are also other significant effects associated with excessive absenteeism:

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Decreased Productivity

In a team of people doing interrelated tasks, if one persistent remains absent or

fails to deliver, it creates a domino effect on productivity.

It affects employee/team morale

This is due to the fact that additional stress is placed on employees who act as

replacements or assume additional tasks for absentees.

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1.4 Problem statement of the study

Absenteeism of employee has become a common issue in each and every organization.

There are various factors which effect on employee absenteeism. Past literatures have

identified different kind of sources which cause employee absenteeism.

According to Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), both personal factors and

workplace factors have been impacted on absenteeism of employees. Impact of employee

attitudes, age and gender have been analysed under personal factors. Further impact of

organizational culture, lack of motivation and rewards, absence of learning management

and stress at work have been analysed under workplace factors. Through this research

influence of each personal factors and workplace factors are going to be identified.

1.5 Research objectives

1. To identify the existence absenteeism problem at Airport & Aviation Services (Sri

Lanka) Limited, Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake.

2. To identify the factors which impact on absenteeism problem.

3. Identify the solutions to minimise the absenteeism rate of the organization.

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1.6 Significance of the study

1.6.1 Why Measure Absenteeism

It is pertinent to measure the rate of absenteeism in the workplace. Measuring employee‟s

absenteeism is a good way to measure Overall Labour Effectiveness (OLE) in the

workplace, which is a key performance indicator (KPI) that measures the utilization,

performance and quality of the workforce and its impact on productivity.

Monitoring staff absence rates helps to trace the pattern of employee attendance. To

monitor and check dead times, in the workplace, to derive and measure resources and

costs incurred due to employee absenteeism with the aim of devising effective methods to

manage absenteeism in the workplace.

In measuring absenteeism in the workplace, we derive the ratio of its administrative,

financial and productivity cost to the organization which will enable development of

strategies to curb absenteeism while rechanneling resources more effectively to effect the

bottom-line positively.

1.6.2 Administrative costs of Absenteeism:

Time consumed in controlling absenteeism

Time consumed in sourcing replacements and re-assigning duties.

Supervisor‟s time

Financial Costs: this are the costs accruing form

Overtime costs

Replacement employee costs

Training costs

Over staffing costs

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1.6.3 Productivity Costs:

Replaced productivity and loss of output costs

The costs of supporting replacement employees

Costs accrued in training new or replacement staff/hiring temporary staff

Substandard production

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CHAPTER 02

LITERTURE REVIEW

According to Graham and Bennett (1995) has identified that nature of the job or nature of

the workplace as well as personal characteristics of the worker influence on absenteeism

of employees. Further some literatures have found that Leadership style of the

supervisors as well as organizational culture affect to the absenteeism of employees,

(Evans & W alters, 2002).

There are many organizational theories related to managing organization‟s absenteeism

and implementing the appropriate theory in the organization will me a major solution to

managing absenteeism of employees. Few of the theories to manage absenteeism in work

place are discussed as follows.

2.1 Maslow‟s Theory to Manage Absenteeism

The major reason for absenteeism of workers in an organization is when their needs are

not met since it leads to dissatisfaction in the job they do. These needs range from basic

psychological needs to other organisational needs like safety needs sense of

belongingness and self-actualization. Maslow‟s theory can be used to manage

absenteeism which arises due to lack of fulfilment of employee needs.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow said that people are motivated by attempts to fulfil their

personal needs. Here are some examples of how his Hierarchy of Needs explains

motivation in the workplace and helps to manage absenteeism. Basic physiological needs

are met with good ventilation (breathing), toilets (excretion), and a break at the end of the

day (sleep). Safety and security is covered with security personnel (personal safety),

safety equipment like hard hats and goggles in factories (physical safety), and a regular

pay packet (financial security). Friendship and a feeling of belonging comes from

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relationships with co-workers. These are all “deficiency needs”, without which people

cannot work very well. If they have been met at least to some degree, then the “growth

needs” of achievement, creativity, and problem-solving can be pursued.

Maslow also said was that 'gratified needs are not active motivators'. For a business, this

is an important conclusion. The importance of Maslow is to recognise that in some cases,

money might be an important motivator. What might act as a motivator to one individual

might not act as a motivator to another. The organization therefore needs to have

different motivation strategies in place to get the best out of their employees.

2.2 Herzberg‟s Two Factor Theory

This theory can be used to manage absenteeism related to job satisfaction and

psychological growth. Job satisfaction is important for both the employee and the

employer. To get the most of an employee an employer should make sure they use a two

pronged approach to employee satisfaction. The employer should provide opportunity for

psychological growth and job satisfaction. Herzberg gives these two areas the labels of

"hygiene" and "motivation". The hygiene is elements of job context. They include

working conditions and supervisor quality, as well as salary, status and safety issue.

Motivators are embedded in the employee-job interaction and they are job-centres

characteristics. They are also called intrinsic job factors. They include growth

opportunity, achievement and recognition, among other factors.

In order to manage absenteeism using this Motivation- Hygiene theory it is necessary to

distinguish factors which lead to satisfaction from factors that lead to dissatisfaction.

These factors of dissatisfaction consists with achievement, company Policies,

recognition, supervision, the work itself, relationship with supervisor and peers,

responsibility, work conditions, advancement, salary and security, growth and status.

2.2.1 Application of Herzberg‟s Theory:

The application of Herzberg‟s theory involves two steps as given below:

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Step One: Eliminate Job Dissatisfaction

Herzberg called the causes of dissatisfaction "hygiene factors". There is no point in trying

to motivate the staff until these factors have not been performed. Particular organization

has to fix poor and obstructive company policies, provide effective, supportive and non-

intrusive supervision, create and support a culture of respect and dignity for all team

members, ensure that wages are competitive, build job status by providing meaningful

work for all positions and provide job security as well as just because someone is not

dissatisfied, it doesn't mean he or she is satisfied either. Hence the next step is to build

job satisfaction.

Step Two: Create Conditions for Job Satisfaction

To create satisfaction, you need to address the motivating factors associated with work.

This is called "job enrichment". Every job should be examined to determine how it could

be made better and more satisfying to the person doing the work. Hence the organization

should be considered in providing opportunities for achievement, recognizing workers'

contributions, creating work that is rewarding and that matches the skills and abilities of

the worker, giving as much responsibility to each team member as possible, providing

opportunities to advance in the company through internal promotions, offering training

and development opportunities, so that people can pursue the positions they want within

the company.

2.3 Expectancy Theory

There are several occasions where employees lose interest in their job when they feel that

their performances have not been encouraged and rewarded appropriately. This leads to

lack of commitment towards the job itself. Absenteeism caused due to these factors can

be managed by following the expectancy theory. The most widely used is the Vroom‟s

Expectancy Model. Vroom realized that an employee's performance is based on

individual factors such as personality, skills, knowledge, experience and abilities.

Vroom‟s model is based on three concepts:

Valence –

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Strength of an individual‟s preference for a particular outcome. For the valence to

be positive, the person must prefer attaining the outcome to not attaining it.

Instrumentality –

Means of the first level outcome in obtaining the desired second level outcome;

the degree to which a first level outcome will lead to the second level outcome.

Expectancy –

Probability or strength of belief that a particular action will lead to a particular

first level outcome.

2.3.1 Major factors for applying expectancy theory

The employee‟s need for achievement is a personal trait which influences effort,

instrumentality and expectancy. The employee feels that his performance is high and he

is willing to expend much effort on the job if it challenges his skills and abilities. His

instrumentalities will be high and positive if he believes that the organization will reward

his performance.

Another factor to be considered in the application of expectancy theory is the firm‟s

reward system. Employees always want a clear picture about performance expectations

and keep them informed about requirements for successful job performances.

Last but not the least; the job design system plays a key role in the expectancy theory.

Most employees prefer more control in their work. This can be done by making the job

more challenging and fulfilling. One way to do this is to reward employees for acquiring

new skills. The more skills they learn, the more control they acquire over their work.

Individual Factors

Self-efficacy

Need for achievement

Locus of Control

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Valued Outcomes

Performance

Effort

Organisational Factors

Reward System

Job design

Performance Appraisal System

2.4 Equity Theory

This theory addresses the problem of inequity as a cause of absenteeism. When people

feel fairly treated they are more likely to be motivated. The way that people measure this

sense of fairness is at the heart of Equity Theory.

The basic idea behind the Equity Theory is that workers, in an attempt to balance what

they put in to their jobs and what they get from them, will unconsciously assign values to

each of his various contributions.

In addition to their time, workers contribute their experience, their qualifications, and

their capability in addition to their personal strengths such as acumen and ambition.

Money, of course, is the primary motivating outcome for an employee, but it is not the

only, and in some cases not even the most important, factor. Power and status are also

prime motivators, as are flexibility, perquisites and variety.

Research on Equity Theory and employee motivation has shown that, in general, over-

rewarded employees will produce more and of a higher quality than will under-rewarded,

less motivated employees.

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2.5 David McClelland‟s - Human Motivation Theory

Human motivation is dominated by three needs as follows:

The need for achievement :

This states that high achievers prefer to work independently, need immediate

feedback on their performance, takes up tasks that are moderately difficult and

derives satisfaction from set goals.

The need for power :

It states that powerful people derive satisfaction from their ability to control

others and being in a position to influence.

The need for affiliation :

They derive satisfaction from social and inter-personal activities.

Lack of satisfaction of these needs is the major reasons for absenteeism in workplace.

The importance of each of these needs will vary from one person to another.

With reference to above theories, it justifies that both personal factors of the employees

as well as workplace factors have implement on absenteeism. Therefore this research

investigates both factors influence on employee absenteeism in Airport & Aviation

Services (Sri Lanka).

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CHAPTER 03

METHODOLOGY

This research is organises under deductive research philosophy and such researcher

expecting to text the motivation al theories in practice in connection with employee

absenteeism in Sri Lankan Ari Line. Further data collection undertaken with reference to

survey strategy through a pre tested questionnaire and major part of data being gathered

through secondary data. Many internal sources being used with prior authorisation in

gathering such secondary data

3.1 Conceptual framework

Figure 3.1: Conceptual Framework

Source: Developed by Researcher

Independent variables Dependent variable

Personal Factors

Workplace Factors

Absenteeism

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3.1.1 Dependent variable

Dependent variable of this study is absenteeism which means the occurrence rate of

habitual absence of work or duty. According to the past literatures, there are various

factors that could influence an employee to be absent at work. Basically, these factors are

as follows.

3.1.2 Independent variables

Personal Factors:

i. Personal Attitude

Individuals possess different attitudes and bring these attitudes forth to the

workplace. Employees with strong workplace ethics will respect their work and

appreciate their contribution to the organization and as such, will not take

unscheduled off from the workplace. Conversely, employees with low or without

work ethics are in- disciplined and have behavioural issues. Because they feel no

obligation to the organization, absenteeism comes easily to them.

ii. Age

The age of an employee often affects their attitude to work. The younger the

employees are often restless, they want to have fun and be with friends rather than

being tied down with responsibilities. This leads to lack of ownership and usually

leads to unscheduled and unauthorised time off.

iii. Gender

Women are usually challenged with balancing their time between work and home.

Their families are always the utmost priority, thus they would rather be absent

from work to sort out family issues.

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Workplace Factors:

i. Organizational Culture

Every organization is a culture with its own norms. An organization with an

embedded absenteeism culture, screen played by its management and supervisors

lack of commitment would encourage further employee absenteeism.

ii. Lack of Motivation and Rewards

The relationship between the organization and its employees is influenced by

what motives them to work and the rewards and fulfilment they derive from it.

Inability of managers or employers to motivate employees and meet their

extrinsic and intrinsic needs would lead to lack of motivation and commitment

hence, absenteeism in the workplace

iii. Absence of learning environment

Learning means change, thus can affect organizations effectiveness. Employees

love to work in an organization where they would improve themselves and their

career through organizational learning and knowledge management, which could

be inculcated through coaching, mentoring, trainings and other explicit methods.

In an organization where a learning culture is absent, employees feel de-

motivated, unsatisfied and feel their career growth is threatened. Hence they

excuse themselves from work without authorization in search for greater

challenges and organizations where they would gain improve themselves.

iv. Stress at work:

According to a report cited in Daily FT : „Stress at work is the biggest problem in

Sri Lankan companies‟. Voluntary absenteeism takes place because employees

are dissatisfied with their job; hence they feel stressed doing the work either

because of the work load or unsuitable assigned roles. As an example, wrongly

assigning a customer service manager to manage treasury department, without

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adequate experience and training. Due to lack of adequate experience in the field

and fixed timed deliverables and tasks, he feels stressed and harassed in the role

and thus breaks down into stress or depression and seeks sick leave and abandons

the job.

3.2 Ways of Measuring Absenteeism

3.2.1 The Time Lost

The time lost which occurred due to the absenteeism can be measured as follows,

Number of individual days lost

through the absence during period X 100

(Average number of employees) x

(Number of Work days)

This rate also can be based on number of hours instead of number of days. In the same

manner, the “individual frequency” can be measured by using following formula,

Individual frequency = (Number of Absent Employees/Average Number of

Employees) x100

The Bradford factor can be calculated as follows:

B= S2 x D

Where: B is the Bradford Factor score

S is the total number of spells (instances) of absence of an

individual over a set period

D is the total number of days of absence of that individual over the

same set period

The „set period‟ is typically set as a rolling 52 week period.

For example:

1 instance of absence with a duration of 15 days (1x 1 x 5) = 5 points

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4 instances of absence; one of one, one of four and one of six days

(4 x 4 x 5) = 80 points

6 instances of absences; each for two days (6 x 6 x 5) = 180 points

However, the Bradford Factor has been critiqued for its limited and short-sightedness in

effectively measuring absenteeism; this is because it only factors total number and

frequency of individual absence into account, neglecting the kind of absence.

Measuring absenteeism allows HR and management to determine the extent and reasons

of absenteeism in order to take corrective measures. The following are the popular ways

to measure absenteeism:

3.2.2 Calculating the Total Time Lost

This measure expresses the percentage of total time available which has been lost due to

absence:

Total absence (hours or days) in the period x 100

Possible total (hours or days) in the period

For example, if the total absence in the period is 124 person-hours and the total time

available is 1,550 person-hours, the lost time rate is:

124/1,550 x 100 = 8 %

It can be calculated separately for individual departments of groups of employees to

reveal particular absence problems.

3.2.3 Calculating the Absence Frequency Rate

The method shows the average number of absences per employee, expressed as a

percentage. However it does not indicate of the length of each absence period, nor any

indication of employees who take more than one spell of absence:

No of spells of absence in the period x 100

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No of employees

For example, if in one month and organisation employed on average 80 workers, and

during this time there were a total of 16 spells of absence, the frequency rate is:

16/80 x 100 = 20%

By counting the number of employees who take at least one spell of absence in the

period, rather than to total number of spells of absence, this calculation gives an

individual frequency rate

3.3 Sample technique

Simple random sampling technique will be used as the sampling technique

3.4 Data collection method

Data gathered from both primary sources and secondary sources. Secondary data refers to

information obtained from reports of human resource department in AIRPORT &

AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) LIMITED as well as past researches. Primary

data were gathered via questionnaire method.

3.5 Data analysis method

Descriptive statistics have been used to analyse the data through spread sheet application.

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CHAPTER 04

DATA ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction

This data analysis chapter consists with the output of the research. According to this

research, Impact of personal factors as well as work place factors on absenteeism was

analysed. In this research, the researcher used three personal factors and four work place

factors under the independent variable and preference to being absent is measured under

the dependent variable. For the data analysis purpose, Microsoft excel has been used.

4.2 Gender distribution

Figure 4.1: Gender distribution of the responders in the sample

Source: Survey data

According to the analysed data, among 50 employees in the selected sample 17 amounts

consists with male employees and 33 amounts consists with female employees.

27

4.3 Age Distribution

Figure 4.2: Age distribution of the responders in the sample

Source: Survey data

Four age categories have been identified within selected sample and highest number of

employee are within 25-30 age category.

4.4 Employee preference for being absent to work

Figure 4.3: Employee preference for being absent to work

Source: Survey data

28

According to the analysed data among 50 employees, 23 of employees are preferred to

being absent to work.

4.5 Impact of personal factors towards absenteeism

4.5.1 Willingness to absent based on negative attitudes

Figure 4.4: Willingness to absent based on negative attitudes

Source: Survey data

Negative attitude of the employees towards work has highly impacted on absenteeism and 22

numbers of employees who prefer to be absent to work have negative attitudes for working.

29

4.5.2 Willingness to absent based on age category

Figure 4.5: Willingness to absent based on age category

Source: Survey data

According to the age factor, highest number of employees who prefer to be absent includes in

between 25 and 30 age category. Then consecutively 18-25 age category, over 40 age category

and zero from 30-40 age category.

4.5.3 Willingness to absent based on gender category

Figure 4.6: Willingness to absent based on gender category

Source: Survey data

30

With reference to gender, 15 numbers of male employees are preferred to be absent to work and

there are 4 female employees who prefer to be absent to work.

4.6 Impact of work place towards absenteeism

4.6.1 Willingness to absent based on culture

Figure 4.7 Willingness to absent based on culture

Source: Survey data

According to the analysed data employees who work under strict rules and regulations,

reluctant to be absent for their work.

31

4.6.2 Willingness to absent based on motivation

Figure 4.8: Willingness to absent based on motivation

Source: Survey data

18 numbers of employees who within absenteeism positive category are not satisfied with

the motivation methods which have been implemented by the organization.

4.6.3 Willingness to absent due to absence of learning environment

Figure 4.9 Willingness to absent due to absence of learning environment

Source: Survey data

Due to lack of training and development facilities of the organization 17 numbers of

employees are prefer to be absent to work.

32

4.6.4 Willingness to absent due to working stress

Figure 4.10 Willingness to absent due to working stress

Because of the stress in the working environment, 13 numbers of employees do not prefer to

attend to their work regularly.

33

CHAPTER 05

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion

Employee absenteeism can be a nuisance that if left unattended can become a significant

expense to any company which includes in loss of productivity. It affects every business

in different ways. Absenteeism does not discriminate and affects individuals no matter

their sex, race, or religion. It is important to acknowledge that absenteeism has

consequences and most importantly that it costs companies funds. In these tough

economic times, unscheduled absences cost companies in turnover, sick time and

replacement costs. It is the nature of the beast.

Employers should do well to recognize this and try to counter its effects. An occupied

employee is less likely to be habitually absent. Let them know what is expected and

routinely reward them for their efforts.

Management, absenteeism is an important concern from the viewpoints of service

delivery, efficacy and a concern for their employees. Absenteeism is also an important

and legitimate concern of trade unions in their role of supporting measures that alleviate

the causes of absenteeism including counselling programmes, wellness programmes and

enhancement of co-worker and supervisor support and the construction of better working

arrangements that suit the needs of both employer and employee. To be effective

strategies will need to focus on areas of common concern to workers, management and

unions, and will require the co-operation of these parties.

34

That absenteeism is a very complex subject is shown by the enormous number of factors

believed to contribute to it, and the mostly ineffectual methods that have been

traditionally used in attempts to reduce it. Approaches to workplace attendance need to

take into account the complexity of humanity its behaviour and needs and not merely

consider the matter in terms of money saved or work to be performed. Absenteeism can

only be modified but not eliminated when it is excessive.

For a programme to be effective an organization must benefit from it in terms of

decreased costs and from the production of a work force with a higher level of morale

and commitment.

The common responses to absenteeism are to tighten up certification requirements,

restrict access to sick leave, discipline offenders or censure doctors issuing the

certificates. These approaches neglect to focus on the opportunity to explore structural

and policy factors, which contribute to absenteeism. Ignoring the situation, whereby it

may be the culture of an organization that is a strong determinant of absence behaviour,

may reduce the opportunity for effective intervention based upon effective policies and

communication, development of supervisory skills and procedures.

Acknowledge the external factors that cause absenteeism, draw suggestions from the

employees on how to handle these issues and implement programmes and policies to

assist and guide employees.

It may not eliminate absenteeism from your workplace but it may very well decrease

levels and foster good employee employer relations.

5.2 Measurement and benchmarking

Measurement is an important step to the assessment of workplace attendance. There is a

frequent tendency to just guess the extent or focus on a perceived problem rather than to

take a systematic approach. There are very few norms for sickness absence though some

have suggested limits of concern.

35

Benchmarking within industry categories and within organizations is an important tool

for absence management. The question of the need to measure is a simple one, but what

to measure becomes more complex. Most companies keep records for accounting reasons

to ensure that leave is not expended past entitlements. This is often kept in personnel files

or cards. Such data, however, is not readily accessible for systematic analysis. The

increasing use of computer databases for personnel and pay records has the potential to

provide more meaningful information.

The rate, pattern and distribution of lost time from sickness absence can give an insight

into the possible causes of absenteeism. For example, through assessing temporal

relationships relating to shifts, weekends, rostered overtime, patterns such as absence

length or classification (such as certified or uncertified leave), productivity, turnover and

key organizational event indicators, factors associated with absenteeism can be identified.

At first glance measuring absenteeism would appear to be an easy proposition. It means

staff is either at work or not. Such a rate, however, tells us little about what may be

happening and what may be the causes. The distribution of leave taking is typically

skewed, with most episodes being short and frequent. Awards influence the pattern leave

by placing limits on the total of certified and uncertified leave available. The patterns of

these types of leave may be very different. The timing of leave is also important. It seems

more frequent at the beginning or end of a working roster, near public holidays and

during school holidays. Increased levels occur during the months where weather changes

in association with the peak of upper respiratory tract infectious disease. In most

organizations half the total time lost is due to a small fraction of the workforce.

The key features are:

defining absence leave types

defining a denominator- normal working hours, normal working days per year

an absence profile

36

attaching a cost (financial and productivity)

able to be diagnostic

integrated with other performance measures

Positive measures such as attendance rather than absence may offer a useful

interpretation of the data.

There are a number of hidden areas of cost in administration, human resources, training

and overtime. Costs and opportunities for improvement not only include high frequency

short-term leaves but also prolonged sickness absence. Hidden losses such premature

retirements are not often considered.

Measurement should lead to benchmarking and the use of quality management tools such

as control charts to detect and monitor performance. Monitoring systems need to be in

tune with organizational structure with figures referable to areas of responsibility.

Frequently this will require the use of computer based systems.

5.3 Managing absenteeism

Absenteeism is often symptoms of larger organizational problems and can be managed as

thus:

5.3.1 Leadership modelling and commitment

Managerial commitments and participatory culture have an important impact on

attendance. E.g. in a retail company, a manager who demonstrated little commitment to

attendance practices recorded one of the highest absenteeism rates in his organization.

37

5.3.2 Work motivation and rewards

Motivation in the work place is the driving force to achieve employee job satisfaction and

commitment. This motivation could be Extrinsic or Intrinsic.

Extrinsic motivation relates to the tangible rewards e.g. Salary, security, promotion and

conditions of work while, Intrinsic motivation relates to the psychological rewards which

includes; a sense of challenge and achievement, participation and appreciation from the

employer.

According to Maslow‟s hierarchy of needs; the expectancies of an employee from the

employer are captured as;

Motivated employees overcome obstacles to make it to work. The key to reducing

employee absenteeism is to create a culture where employees want to come to work.

5.3.3 Effective Groups and Team Building

Groups and teams are essential features of the work pattern of organizations. These

include formal and informal groups, project and virtual teams. Effective group and team

building encourages inter personal relationships, fulfils the individuals psychological

need of love and belonging, encourages organisational learning and communication while

reducing conflicts in the organization. This ultimately gives employees, sense of

belonging and contribution, job satisfaction and an increased love for the job which will

be evidenced in attendance rate.

5.3.4 Recruitment and selection

Employers should recruit employees with good attendance records. This information

should be included in references.

38

5.3.5 Employee orientation and training

Attendance norms should be established the first day on the job. These norms are

inculcated at inductions and orientation sessions.

5.3.6 Performance Appraisal

This can boost employee attendance rates. Management should attach attendance rates to

performance appraisals, if employees are aware that attendance would be a part of their

appraisal, they would minimize unnecessary absence from work.

5.4 Solutions to control absenteeism

5.4.1 Address Debt in the Workplace

Companies are encouraged to hold employee workshops facilitated by trained debt

counsellors and where possible address affected employees in individual sessions. If the

interventions are successful, they can bring about a decrease in absenteeism.

5.4.2 Create an Absenteeism Policy

By recording and analysing employee absences, a company can pinpoint problems/trends

in the company and implement an effective attendance and absenteeism policy. Introduce

a rule in the company that requires employees to contact their immediate supervisors to

report their absence for the day, before a certain time. Make it clear that the employee

must be able to provide a satisfactory explanation if he fails to make the report himself.

39

5.4.3 Conduct „Return to Work‟ Interviews

It is useful to introduce a „Return to Work. Interview Form‟ for the immediate supervisor

to complete each time an employee returns from sick leave. This will serve as a form of

„visible‟ management of the problem as the company will be seen to be addressing

matters as they arise and will also discourage those regular „entitlement‟ offenders.

5.4.4 An Effective Employee Assistance Programme

This includes wellness programmes. Employers need to think of their contributions to

these programmes not only in terms of the provision of a benefit to employees but as an

investment in productivity for the company.

5.4.5 Ask Employees what they want and Implement what is Possible

Suggestion boxes and surveys that seek anonymous feedback about the workplace

provide information about interest and engagement among employees. Implementing

many of these suggestions are free or inexpensive. Casual Fridays or a spontaneous jeans

day, is engaging, motivating and is great for succession planning. An engaged employees

are absent less often.

5.4.6 Reward Great Results

Don‟t save recognition of good work for annual functions and performance reviews.

Recognition does not have to be monetary; in fact studies verbal praise is more effective,

so are gift certificates for goods or services or an afternoon off. All employees provide

some benefit to the company. A recognized employee is less likely to be absent.

5.4.7 Provide a Good Working Environment

As much as possible, make sure the environment employees work in is clean,

technologically updated and pleasant with ergonomically correct office furniture or

40

machinery. Provide a lounge where employees can eat or take a break and make sure

occupation health and safety procedures are followed.

5.4.8 Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Enforce absenteeism policies but do so effectively and judiciously. Other employees are

watching how someone struggling is treated and it will impact their impression of the

company. However, the employee who is clearly just disinterested and disrespectful does

need to be disciplined or dismissed. Be flexible and proactive in devising short-term

solutions like working from home, non-traditional hours or a reduced work week.

5.4.9 Introduce Workplace Stress Strategy

One of the most commonly used models of occupational stress is the person environment

fit model. This provides two avenues for reducing the experience of work stress, firstly

by improving and enhancing the skills and strengths of individuals and secondly by

reducing the numbers and strength of occupational stressors. There is evidence to suggest

that organizational level interventions may be more effective.

Effective and simple strategies exist to assess workplace stress as a component of

absence management practices. Whilst they do not represent a primary strategy, they may

be important in environments where there is high absenteeism, high turnover, low

morale, reduced productivity and frequent episodes of occupational stress. In a review of

academic methods and practical managerial procedures, various techniques are discussed

in terms of cost and accuracy.

Stress management and stress training may have an important role in some industries and

workplaces. Skills in conflict management and conflict resolution are valuable for

managers as well as employees. Attendance impacts may be expected in the following

circumstances:

Shift work- existing, introduced or modified

41

Downsizing

Relocation

Rapid change

Major events: fire, explosion, violence

Technological change.

5.4.10 Workplace organization, work and management practices

Flexible Working Arrangements

The introduction of flexible work practices requires a high level of organization, planning

and support. Issues such as equity of participation, monitoring, dispute resolution and

penalty payments will need to be considered in advance.

Many managers may be familiar with the taking of sick leave when annual leave or other

leaves are denied. Poor planning, lack of consideration of staffing requirements and leave

requisitions can result in destructive leave taking patterns. Short recreational or

discretionary leaves ranging from one to four days together with forward manpower

planning are useful considerations.

Unfortunately there is little objective discussion on the effectiveness of the provision of

childcare on employee attendance, though there is a weight of opinion that suggests that

it may be very effective. There is good evidence to support the effectiveness of childcare

provision in reducing turnover and improving recruitment. Its effect on absenteeism is

ambivalent.

42

REFERENCES

1. Paul S. Goodman, Robert S. Atkin. (1984). Effects of Absenteeism on Individuals

and Organizations. 283-300.

2. Upekha Tammita, B. M. D. Seedevi, D. G. T. S. Jayarathne, Aruna

Welianga,(2010). A Study of Employee Absenteeism in the Apparel Industry.

Human Resource Management Journal.

3. Managing Absenteeism Management Essay. (n.d.). Retrieved 2003-2006, from

www.ukessay.com:http://www.ukessays.com/essays/management/managingabsen

teeism-management-essay.php

43

APPENDIX

A : CIRCULAR NO. AP/1 – WORKING CONDITIONS AND

RULES GOVERNING EMPLOYEES

B : NOTICE NO: HR/621 - PAYMENT OF BONUS AND

EX-GRATIA PAYMENT FOR THE YEAR 2014

C : NOTICE NO: HR/635/5/INSU - HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

D : CIRCULAR NO. AP/178 - PAYMENT OF MEAL ALLOWANCE

E : CIRCULAR NO. AP/32 - MATERNITY LEAVE FOR FEMALE

EMPLOYEES

The above appendixes were extracted from the available circulars and notices issued to

the concern of employees of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited by the

Board of Management, with the permission of Head of Human Resources.

44

APPENDIX A : CIRCULAR NO. AP/1

AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) LIMITED

WORKING CONDITIONS AND RULES GOVERNING EMPLOYEES

1. Normal Hours of Work - Monday to Friday 0830hrs to 1645hrs

1.1 Intervals - Lunch :- 1230hrs to 1315hrs

Tea :- There will be no tea breaks

1.2 - Unless otherwise specifically instructed

by the Management every employee

shall present himself/herself for work

each day at the starting time of the

office and shall remain there available

for work throughout the normal

working hours as at „1‟ above.

1.3 - The hours of work as given in „1‟ is

subject to change from time to time

depending on exigencies of service.

2. Recording of Attendance - Employee will record their exact time of

arrival and departure on attendance

registers.

2.1 Late Attendance - i) A grace period of 5 minutes only will

be given in respect of late attendance.

ii) Any arrival after the grace period of

5 minutes will be subject to pay

45

deductions in the following manner :-

06 – 14 - 15 minutes

15 – 30 - 30 minutes

iii) Any arrival after 30 minutes may be

allowed to sign on at the sole discretion

of the Management, subject to ½ days

leave/pay cut.

iv) Late attendance will entail

disciplinary action including :-

(a) Withholding of increments

(b) Dismissals

3. Half Days Leave - Employees taking half days leave

should report/leave office at following

times :-

i) 1230hrs – leaving time

ii) 1315hrs – reporting time

4. Leave - Permanent employees are entitled to the

following leave for a year :-

Casual - 7 days

Annual - 14 days

Sick - 21 days

4.1 Casual Leave - Casual leave is intended to enable an

employee to absent himself/herself for a

short period for personal reasons,

46

An employee is entitled in the first year

of employment to one day‟s casual

leave for each period of 2 months

completed service and to the full quota

of 7 days from the 2nd

calendar year in

service.

Casual leave shall not be granted for

more than 2 days at a time.

Casual leave shall be obtained

whenever possible by application in the

appropriate form at least 24 hours

before the time from which leave us

required.

4.2 Annual Leave - Annual leave will be granted as follows

Employee will not be entitled to annual

leave in the calendar year of recruitment

but will be entitled to annual leave

during the second calendar year of

recruitment on a proportionate basis

depending on the date of

commencement of employment as

indicated hereunder and to the full quota

thereafter.

i) January – March - 14 days

ii) April – June - 10 days

iii) July – September - 07 days

47

iv) October – December – 04 days

Annual leave must be applied for and

approval obtained on appropriate form

before the date on which leave

commences.

4.3 Sick Leave - An employee is entitled in the first

calendar year of employment to 2 days

sick leave for each completed month of

service but not exceeding 21 days for a

year.

In the second calendar year of service

he/she will be entitled to the full quota

of 21 days.

If an employee enters a Government

hospital for treatment he/she shall

immediately inform the management

giving full particulars.

Continuous absence exceeding 14 days

should be supported by a medical

certificate from a Government

doctor/company approved doctor.

5. Maternity Leave - Maternity leave to female office

employees will be granted in terms of

the Shop & Office Employees Act,

which at present is 12 weeks

48

(excluding statutory holidays, company

holidays).

6. Weekly Holidays - Saturday and Sunday shall be weekly

holidays.

Saturday, though a non-working day

will be regarded for the purpose of

weekly holiday a half working day.

Sunday shall be a full weekly holiday.

7. Statutory Holidays - All employees are entitled to the

following days which have been

presently declared by the Government

as Statutory Holidays :-

Thai Pongal Day

Independence (National) day

Milad-un-Nabi (Holy Prophet

Mohamed‟s Birthday)

The day immediately prior to

Sinhala/Hindu New Year Day

Sinhala/Hindu New Year Day

May Day

National Hero‟s Day

Day immediately succeeding Wesak

Full Moon Day

Christmas Day

8. Overtime Work - Work outside normal working hours is

49

considered as overtime work.

8.1 Payments - Monthly Salary – Every employee shall

be paid his/her salary will be paid on the

25th

of each month.

Salary for period less than 1 month shall

be computed as follows :-

For one hour – Monthly Salary

240

For one day – Monthly Salary

30

For half day – Monthly Salary

30 x 2

9. Absence from Duty - An employee shall not absent

himself/herself from duty without the

prior permission of his/her respective

superior officer.

If an employee absent himself/herself

without obtaining prior permission for

reasons which were unforeseen he/she

shall inform his/her superior officer by

telegram/telephone or any other means

within 24 hours of the time he/she was

to have reported for work.

When an employee obtains leave he/she

must as soon as he/she returns to work

50

fill up a leave application form and

submit it to his/her superior officer for

his covering approval.

10. Probation Period - All appointments are subject to a period

of 01 year probation from the date of

appointment as specified in each

individual letter of appointment.

the Management reserves the right to

summarily terminate the services of any

employee if his/her work.

11. Increments - Annual increments will be granted with

effect from 1st January each year as

indicated in the letters of appointment

and will be dependent on a certificate

issued by the respective Head of the

Division that the employee concerned

has discharged his/her duties with

efficiency, diligence and fidelity during

the incremental year and thereby earned

his/her increment Any disciplinary

action imposed or any No-pay Leave

obtained b the employee during the

incremental year will be taken into

account for the purpose of increment.

12. Transfer of Employees - Employees may be transferred at any

time without notice to any place of

work of the Company in any part of the

51

country.

13. Retirement - No employee shall continue in

employment after his/her 60th

birthday,

except at the sole discretion of the

Management.

14. Obligation of Employees - All employees of the company are

expended at all times to discharge the

duties entrusted to them with efficiency,

diligence and fidelity, to safeguard the

property, personnel an interest of the

company.

Sgnd.

CHAIRMAN

52

APPENDIX B :- NOTICE NO: HR/621

AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) LIMITED

PAYMENT OF BONUS AND EX-GRATIA PAYMENT FOR THE YEAR 2014

Considering the growth in the operational performance of the Company mainly due to the

peace prevailed in the country during the year, the Board of Directors at it‟s meeting held

on 2nd

December 2014 decided to pay Bonus and Ex-gratia payments as detailed below .

Board of Directors is pleased to inform you that it has been decided to increase the Ex-

gratia payment up to Rs. 40,000/- for this year in recognition of co-operation and

dedication of the staff in improving performance of the Company.

Bonus Payment : - Three months basic salary subject to a minimum of Rs. 20,000/- (Net

of Tax).

Ex-gratia Payment:- Rs. 40,000/- (Net of Tax) is granted.

The Board of Directors wishes to emphasise that the quantum of Bonus/Ex-gratia

Payment to its staff in any year depends on the financial status of the Company.

The advance already paid in April 2014 against the Bonus for year 2014 will be

set-off from the total sum mentioned above when making payments in December

2014.

All Heads of Divisions are kindly requested to bring the contents of this

communication to the notice of all employees in their division

Sgnd

CHAIRMAN

03/12/2014

53

APPENDIX C :- NOTICE NO: HR/635/5/INSU

AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) LIMITED

HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

Objective :-

The main object of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to Company employees

and

their family units for medical treatments obtained locally and/or in a foreign country in

respect of

themselves and their family units by way of reimbursement of expenses partly or fully

incurred

by an employee.

Coverage :-

The medical benefits under the scheme are classified as

Indoor (Hospitalization)

Outdoor Treatments

Critical Illness Cover for Special Surgical Treatment

Instructions :-

Those employees who wish to enjoy the benefits under the Health Insurance Scheme

Operated by the Company could remain and continue to received the benefits under the

Scheme 1 of the New Scheme with the same contribution of Rs. 250/- per month.

Scheme Indoor

Benefit

Outdoor

Benefit

Contribution

per Employee

per month

Contribution

per

Employee

per year

Scheme 1 Rs. 100,000/- Rs. 22,500/- Rs. 250/ Rs. 3,000/-

54

Those employees who wish to obtain further benefits under Scheme 2, 3 or 4 under the

New Health Insurance Scheme could do so by contributing the monthly payment

applicable as shown hereunder.

Scheme Indoor

Benefit

Outdoor

Benefit

Contribution

per Employee

per month

Contribution

per

Employee

per year

Scheme 2 Rs. 150,000/- Rs.25,000/- Rs. 2,214.90 Rs. 26,578.80

Scheme 3 Rs. 200,000/- Rs. 27,500/- Rs. 2,672.47 Rs. 32,069.64

Scheme 4 Rs. 300,000/- Rs. 30,000/- Rs. 3,435.07 Rs. 41,220.84

Cover Benefit For All Schemes

Critical Illness

Any one event per

person

Rs. 800,000/-

Annual Aggregate Rs. 7,500,000/-

The employees who wish to do so are requested to perfect and return the attached

application form to reach Head of Human Resources on or before 1st April 2014.

All Heads of Divisions are kindly requested to bring this to the notice of all employees of

their division.

Sgnd

CHAIRMAN

01/03/2014

55

Attachment to Notice No: HR/635/5/INSU

Health Insurance Scheme

Application for Additional Benefits

1. Name of Employee :

2. Service No. :

3. Designation :

4. Division :

5. Enrolment No. :

6. The scheme I wish to join to obtain further benefits under the Health Insurance

Scheme. (Please mark () in the appropriate cage)

Scheme 1 Scheme 2 Scheme 3 Scheme 4

Scheme Indoor

Benefit

Outdoor

Benefit

Contribution

per Employee

per month

Contribution

per Employee

per year

Scheme 1 Rs. 100,000/- Rs. 22,500/- Rs. 250/ Rs. 3,000/-

Scheme 2 Rs. 150,000/- Rs.25,000/- Rs. 2,214.90 Rs. 26,578.80

Scheme 3 Rs. 200,000/- Rs. 27,500/- Rs. 2,672.47 Rs. 32,069.64

Scheme 4 Rs. 300,000/- Rs. 30,000/- Rs. 3,435.07 Rs. 41,220.84

I consent to deduct a sum of Rs……………….. per month from my salary with effect

from January 2015.

Date …………………….. Signature of Employee ……………………

Head of Human Resources

Forwarded please.

Date ………………………. ……………………………………..

Signature of Head of Division

56

APPENDIX D : CIRCULAR NO. AP/178

AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) LIMITED

PAYMENT OF MEAL ALLOWANCE

Board of Management has decided to pay a Meal Allowance of Rs. 65/- to all employees

for the working days of each month. This decision will come into effect from 1st October

2006.

For the purpose of payment of Meal Allowance, normal working days of a month will be

considered.

Normal working days of a month = No. of days of the month –

(Saturdays +

Sundays + Mercantile Holidays +

Poya Days)

Number of days of leave availed by an employee should be deducted from the normal

working days of the month for this purpose. If an employee has availed half a day‟s

leave, he/she is not entitled for the Meal Allowance for the said day.

All Heads of Division are requested to calculate the number of days for the entitlement of

Meal Allowance per employee and inform such details to the Finance Division by the

10th

of each month using the specimen formal attached hereto, with a copy to Head of

Internal Audit & Quality Assurance.

Please bring the contents of this Circular to the notice of all employees.

Sgnd.

CHAIRMAN

08/11/2006

57

Attachment to AP/178

DETAILS OF EMPLOYEES FOR MEAL ALLOWANCE

Division :

Month :

S/No. EPF No. Name of Employee No. of

working

days for

the month

No. of

days

leave

availed*

No, of days

entitled for

Meal

Allowance

*For this purpose ½ day‟s leave should be treated as 01 day‟s leave.

Date :

Prepared by :

Checked by :

..………………………………

Signature of Head of Division

cc : Head of Internal Audit & Quality Assurance

58

APPENDIX E : CIRCULAR NO. AP/32

AIRPORT & AVIATION SERVICES (SRI LANKA) LIMITED

MATERNITY LEAVE FOR FEMALE EMPLOYEES

With the amendment to the Shop & Office Employees Act by Act No. 44 of 1985, the

following procedures relating to maternity leave benefits will be implemented.

(i) A female employee who expected to be confined should give notice in writing to

the Head of Division in which she works that she expects to be confined

within 14 days from the date to be specified by her in the notice.

(ii) Upon receipt of such notice the Head of Division will allow 14 days leave to end

on the day immediately preceding the date of confinement.

(iii)In addition to the 14 days mentioned above, a female employee will also be

allowed leave as follows :-

70 working days of leave commencing on the date of confinement if the

confinement resulted in the issue of a live child and she has, at the date of

such confinement, no child or has one child (in other words a female

employee will be allowed 70 days of leave for any number of surviving

child).

(iv) If the employee has not been able to avail of the 14 days of leave mentioned in (i)

above, as a result of the confinement occurring earlier than the expected date,

she will be allowed to take the balance period of un-availed leave from the 14

days after the expiry of the leave she would be applying for under (iii),

provided that she mentioned same in her application for leave giving the

necessary particulars.

59

(v) In counting the days of leave, only working days, should be taken into account.

Weekly off days, Poya days, Statutory Holidays and Special Company

Holidays falling within the period of maternity leave should be excluded.

All Head of Divisions are kindly requested to bring the contents of this Circular to the

notice of all employees of your division.

Sgnd.

CHAIRMAN

60

INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED CORPORATE

SECRETRIES OF SRI LANKA

THESIS FOR ICCS STUDENTS

CERTIFICATION BY THE STUDENT

Title of Thesis : Measuring And Managing Absenteeism At Airport &

Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Bandaranaike

International Airport, Katunayake.

I Mrs Dona Anuri Kilanthi Nandiweera hereby certify that this Thesis is the

result of my own independent work and investigation, except where

otherwise stated. Such other sources are acknowledged in the

footnotes/endnotes, by specific reference in the text, in the bibliography, etc.

This work has not previously been accepted in substance for any Diploma,

Degree or other program of studies, and is not being concurrently submitted

in candidature for any such program.

I give my consent for this presentation to be made available for reference in

the Library of the ICCS or for copying for limited academic purposes.

ICCS Student Registration No. : 0096

Signature of Student :

Full Name of Student : Mrs Dona Anuri Kilanthi Nandiweera

Dated this14th

day of January 2016.

61

INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED CORPORATE

SECRETRIES OF SRI LANKA

THESIS FOR ICCS STUDENTS

CERTIFICATION BY THE SUPERVISOR

Title of Thesis : Measuring And Managing Absenteeism At Airport &

Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Bandaranaike

International Airport, Katunayake.

ICCS Student Registration No. : 0096

I have supervised the appended Thesis of the above student of the ICCS.

The student has discussed drafts with me during the conduct of research and

writing of this work and I have read the draft/s and provided advice and

guidance to the student where necessary.

Name of Supervisor : Mr Rajitha Silva

Signature of Supervisor :

Dated this 14th day of January 2016.

62

QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Attached here with is the questionnaire that I am using to collect data for my research on

“Measuring and Managing Absenteeism at Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka)

Limited Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake”. Please be kind to provide

your genuine responses and complete this questionnaire. The information provided by

you will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the purpose of the study.

Please answer all questions by tickingmark of your own opinion. Thanking in advance

for your kind cooperation.

Section 1 - Personal Information

1.1 Gender

Male Female

1.2 How old are you?

18 - 25 years 30 - 40 years

25- 30 years over 40 years

Section 2 – Factors affecting the absenteeism

2.1 Do you feel stress at work?

Yes No

2.2 Is it a reason for not attending to the job?

Yes No

63

2.3 Are there any motivations of rewards that you have got from your organization?

Yes No

2.4 Do you think that is enough?

Yes No

2.5 Are the any big changes in your work place/ job?

Yes No

2.6 Do you prefer to work in a changing environment without absenting?

Yes No

2.7 Do your supervisor, immediate boss punish you on absent to work?

Yes No

2.6 Do your supervisor, immediate boss provide a leave if you request?

Yes No

2.7 Do you feel continuous attendance give benefits to you or for the organization?

Yes No

2.8 Have you ever feel not to attend to work even there is no any reasonable issue?

Yes No