Factors Contributing to Work-Related Absenteeism during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Workplace absenteeism is a complex issue that can be caused by various factors which include job dissatisfaction, organizational environment, or personal problems. The study aims to create a brief profile of absenteeism in companies operating in Iasi in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. A quantitative study was conducted to shape the profile of absenteeism, using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Findings revealed that employees working in Iasi are prone to absent as a result of attitudinal factors, in particular, autonomy linked to decision making. Organizational factors did not have a significant contribution regarding absenteeism because managers offered support when employees faced difficulties. Working for a living was the personal factor that stood out; this thing being mainly influenced by the current pandemic period. The stress of being laid off or displaced led many employees to ignore professional development. COVID-19 influenced the employees’ decision to miss a workday, the fear of getting infected, or the stress related to the pandemic outlined a behavior known as presenteeism or digital absenteeism for those that worked from home. Implementing social distancing rules prevented physical absenteeism, employees perceived the workplace as a safe environment.