This paper describes a method for designing, implementing, and evaluating a work-site physical activity campaign aimed at employees who are currently sedentary in their leisure time. Inactivity is a major but modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease. Increasing the activity levels of underactive adults would have a positive impact on…

A study at an urban university found that, while type of child care used by classified staff was not a significant predictor of absenteeism, care by nonrelatives was associated with significantly more absences than was care by relatives. However, satisfaction with care was a significant predictor of absenteeism. (MSE)

Discusses an examination of teacher stress, job satisfaction, absenteeism, career intention, career commitment, and self-image among secondary school teachers in Malta. Concludes that teachers who reported greater stress were less satisfied with teaching, more frequently absent, more likely to leave teaching, and less likely to reenter the field.…

The Blacksburg (Virginia) municipal government's worksite exercise program, developed in response to rising health insurance premiums, was evaluated to determine its effect on health care costs and employee absenteeism. Thirty-two employees who participated in the program for 4.5 years were compared to 32 nonparticipating employees. The program…

This handbook, which is provided by the Adel-Desoto Community School District for new staff members, covers all aspects of the before-and-after-school child care program, including: (1) the school itself (facilities and equipment); (2) the staff (employment qualifications, requirements, and classifications; policies regarding conduct, appearance,…

The influence of employment on parenting stress among 122 mothers of 5-year-olds with developmental disabilities and the influence of parenting demands and family support on work quality and absenteeism was examined. No significant associations were found among employment status and parenting demands, daily support, or stress. (Contains…

An incentive program was developed to reduce teacher absenteeism in a large community high school (2,200 students) in South Florida. The four-point program included improved record-keeping systems, increased communication and information dissemination, internal recognition, and a cash lottery system. Pre- and post-attitudinal tests were…

Disabilities and illnesses are becoming an increasing problem for all employers. To understand the problems unique to schools, 76 elementary and middle school principals were surveyed and indepth interviews were conducted with over a dozen of them. Nearly 70 percent reported that, over the past 2 years, they had between 1 and 5 teachers absent for…

This report examined the extent to which student attendance, teacher certification, and teacher absence explained differences in reading and mathematics achievement among elementary and middle schools in New York City (beyond that explained by such student demographics as receiving free lunch, being an English language learner, and receiving…

This news brief presents information on managing substitute teaching. The information is based on issues discussed at a summit meeting which included public school administrators and personnel directors from around the nation. The main topics of concern focused around four core components related to the management of substitute teaching:…

Discusses 5 quantifiable indicators of child care director effectiveness: (1) turnover rates below 10 percent; (2) sick leave below 50 percent and leave without pay below 20 percent; (3) occupancy rates at least 5 percent above community average; (4) staff costs per child-hour above $2.00; and (5) curriculum resources sufficient to engage…

This pamphlet explores how universities must integrate the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) with existing institutional leave policies and how universities can harmonize the requirements of the FMLA with other federal mandates, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). First, basic FMLA concepts are discussed, including…

Findings of a study that investigated cases of fraud and misconduct in the New York City school custodial system are presented in this document. Custodial services are provided through a "quasi-independent" contractor, or an "indirect system." Although custodians are public employees, they have great independence and lack…

Working parents may miss work to look for child care, to cover for a breakdown in care, or to care for a sick child. Employers can reduce family-related absences by providing on-site child care and referral services, improving the quality and reliability of community child care centers, or increasing parents' ability to afford better care.…

This 15-minute videotape offers a motivational staff development program for teachers. Four segments focus on: (1) preparing for the teacher's absence (e.g., knowing the school's policy and protocol, preparing a safety kit for the substitute teacher, and keeping a box of learning materials available for the substitute); (2) effective learning…