Lists ways in which school districts enable teacher absenteeism and how these practices can be remedied. Includes limiting personal days, sick-leave provisions, and conference leave. (MLF)

Interviews and observations in a British clothing factory that introduced a new computer numerical control system and teamwork/empowerment showed that "teamwork" actually meant little worker control over daily work; deployment of workers often disrupted group cohesiveness. Worker responses included increased absence and turnover.…

Teacher absenteeism is a formidable obstacle to cost-effective education, academic achievement, orderly school operation, and amiable school-community relations. This study examined the relationship between school district policies on sick leave and teacher attendance rates in Georgia--in particular, the degree to which policy provisions for the…

Participants in this study of the effect of year round schools on teacher attendance included 45 elementary school teachers from a Chicago (Illinois) public school located in a predominately low socioeconomic neighborhood comprised of 98 percent Hispanic students. These teachers were part of the staff when the school was on a traditional calendar…

Using a sample of 291 respondents from a teacher's union in a large urban school district, this study explored relationships among job stress, stress-induced illness behavior, and social support by principals and coworkers. Although illness increases as job stress increases, supportive principals have a positive effect on stress-induced illness…

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the extent to which school ethnic affiliation (Jewish vs. Arab) and site-based management affected the absence of teachers and school administrators. Research Design: Background individual and organization-level data on the population of elementary and middle-school teachers (52, 056 teachers at 2,…

Outlines the method, findings, and philosophical approach taken in a 22-month evaluation of an Employee Assistance Program. The program offered free counseling sessions, telephone support, in-service training, and conciliation work. Using an integrated pluralist evaluation, found that clients reported high satisfaction. Reduced absenteeism…

Discusses the challenges unique to Native Americans in the workplace. Asserts that the effects of high rates of poverty, health problems, and violence in Native communities are often visible at the office. Offers suggestions for using cultural healing strategies in the workplace to create an environment of respect and support. (NB)

A study conducted in private industry (n=383) found that while flexible work arrangements and child care arrangements were not related to employee absences due to child care difficulties, employee demographic attributes, particularly age and gender, were. Both demographic factors and needs-reward match did account for some variation in job…

In the rural areas of developing countries, teacher absence is a widespread problem. This paper tests whether a simple incentive program based on teacher presence can reduce teacher absence, and whether it has the potential to lead to more teaching activities and better learning. In 60 informal one-teacher schools in rural India, randomly chosen…

Alcohol is the most widely used drug in the world and its use in the workplace can have serious consequences on safety, productivity, working relationships, and absenteeism. Some of the effects of alcohol consumption on the workplace, along with the types of responses that companies can make, are covered in this review. The text opens with a…

Ten guidelines that may improve staff attendance are: create a written sick leave policy, do not make exceptions, be a good role model, require staff to get their own substitutes, have staff call in personally, monitor patterns in absences, supervise through observation, listen and show concern, greet each person when he or she returns, and reward…

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a situation in which at lease 15-20 percent of a building's occupants exhibit physical symptoms in a pattern that is linked to the building in which they work. Describes health effect, factors and causes of SBS, implications for risk management, and precautions school officials should take. (MLF)

This paper examines research on risk factors affecting teachers, noting that teachers encounter daily challenges and stresses in working with today's students. Risk is difficult to define. Consequences of risk can include stress and burnout, absenteeism, and attrition. Research shows that everyday events, even positive ones, cause stress, and…

Considers how failure to balance excessive work and life/family demands can lead to negative consequences for both individuals and organizations, including higher stress levels, increased absenteeism, and lower productivity. Discusses results of a survey on stressful life events that offers an explanation of why work/life balance programs are so…