Absenteeism is defined as a pattern of absence from work for no reason. It is generally accepted to be composed of unplanned absences. Rest leave, national holidays and holidays or maternity leave are not considered absenteeism.

Calculation steps:

1. choose time frame
2. identify the total number of working days within the time frame (note that legal free days should be subtracted).
3. identify the number of days lost due to the phenomenon of absenteeism (medical leave, unmotivated absences, etc.). Consider the working day composed of 8 hours. This will allow you to quantify partial day leaves.
4. divide the number of days lost due to absenteeism and the total number of working days available.
5. express the value as a percentage.

An absenteeism rate of less than 2% is considered to be normal.

Example:

Time frame: 1st of July to 31st of July

Working days in time frame: 23 days

No. of employees in time frame: 100

No. of days lost: 70

Total no. of working days in time frame: 100 x 23 = 2300

Absenteeism rate = (70 / 2300) x 100 = 0.03 x 100 = 3%

Note:

If the number of employees in the time frame fluctuates due to employees leaving or joining the company you should calculate and use in the formula the average number of employees within the time frame.

Average no. of employees = (no. of employees at the start of the time frame + no. of employees at the end of the time frame)/2