Impact of Job Satisfaction on Absenteeism

Abstract :

Absenteeism is a habitual pattern of absence from a duty or obligation. Traditionally, absenteeism has been viewed as an indicator of poor individual performance, as well as a breach of an implicit contract between employee and employer; it was seen as a management problem, and framed in economic or quasi-economic terms. Job satisfaction has been noted as one of the factors influencing an employee’s motivation to attend. Studies on the relationship between absenteeism and job satisfaction seem to be inconsistent. Results indicate that there is a weak, inverse relationship between both the number and frequency of sick leave days and the job satisfaction levels of the employees. Tremendous pressure is being placed on companies to reduce costs either through downsizing, outsourcing or restructuring. For many employees, these changes can cause feelings of insecurity regarding the nature of their jobs as well as their future. Presently there is contradictory research around the influence of job satisfaction on absenteeism. Generally, it is expected that low satisfaction levels would be related to high rates of absence and vice versa. Sequel to this, this study carries out an evaluation of the impact of job satisfaction on absenteeism in Technical Institutions, Chennai, India. Extrinsic sources of job satisfaction including Pay, work, promotion, supervision, co-workers, working conditions and fairness are considered only. Results obtained indicate that the extrinsic sources of job satisfaction have a direct impact on absenteeism. Thus, this paper recommends that employers should pay due attention to extrinsic sources of job satisfaction as major practical tools to reducing absenteeism.

Author Name : V. Senthilkumaran & Dr.S. RajKumar

Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Absenteeism.