Accused of Habitual Absenteeism After 20 Years: How Should I Respond?

I have been working in the private sector for the last 20 years. However, the company is accusing me of habitual absenteeism. What can I do?

Can you please elaborate on the case exactly so that members can help in a better and more correct way?

Regards,
Tushar Swar

Though your query is not very clear, what I understood is that you are being blamed for being a habitual absentee. If it is so, please be informed that any employee who is in the habit of absenting himself/herself without prior information/permission from their superiors comes under the category of a habitual absentee. It is likely that you are away from duty without proper leave or specific permission from a superior or for invalid/whimsical reasons.

Attendance Requirements

Secondly, if an employee fails to meet the 240 days attendance requirement in a calendar year for reasons other than justified due to sickness, it also warrants the term "habitual absentee" for him/herself.

Impact on Company Operations

Any company hires its employees for productive work. If anyone is in the habit of being absent off and on, it is very difficult for management to plan for a replacement to ensure a smooth workflow.

Advice for Improvement

If you tend to be absent frequently, please correct this behavior. Management has been lenient despite your irregular presence, but using the term "habitual absentee" suggests a move towards more serious action if your conduct does not improve. The consequences of losing a job after 20 years will be painful for you and your family. Please be serious and devoted in the future.

Best wishes,

AK Jain

Evaluate the cause for such habitual absenteeism. As continued absenteeism from work without just cause and excuse is damaging to a company, there is potential loss of efficiency and effectiveness, a fall in customer service, and strain on the absent employee’s co-workers. Absenteeism not only impacts production levels; it also impacts other staff. A company also needs to create a workplace environment where employees feel valued as part of a team and where flexible, ‘family-friendly’ policies are in force, keeping absenteeism to a minimum.