REASONS OF EMPLOYEES’ ABSENTEEISM AND TYPES OF LEAVES: THE CASE OF ETHIO TELECOM

Abstract

This paper investigated reasons of employees’ absenteeism and types of leaves at ethio telecom. The purpose was to assess the overall employees’ absenteeism at ET, to identify personal as well as organizational related reasons of employees’ absenteeism, and also to identify the types of leaves at ET. The study was conducted through a descriptive survey using both qualitative and qualitative approach. A sample of 200 employees were selected from four CSD departments and one reporting section using stratified random sampling technique. Thus 200 Close ended questioners were distributed to collect quantitative data. Out which, 98% (196) was filled and returned. Six month employees’ attendance report were also obtained from EAMS. Interviews also conducted with four department directors and one Reporting manager which were selected using census and purposive sampling respectively. The data obtained through questionnaire, EAMS and interview were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean. The findings shows that, there is an absenteeism policy design as well as awareness gap. Monotony or routine nature of daily tasks and uncomfortable nature of working hour, Poor supervision, Existence of autocratic nature of leadership, Lack of good quality employee services like: launch/cafeteria, Feeling of underutilization and biased qualification requirements for new vacant posts were identified as organizational related reasons. In addition, transportation issues, takingcare of elderly or childcare, family visit and sudden health problem were found to be personal related reasons. The finding also shows, the type of absenteeism is non-culpable or innocent dominated by annual leave, sick leave and maternity leave. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended the company to carefully revise its absenteeism policy design and work on resolving those personal as well as organizational related reasons of employees’ absenteeism for achieving better employee attendance.