Reducing Absenteeism in a Human Service Setting

Abstract

Abstract A low cost procedure was evaluated for reducing short-term unscheduled absences among direct care staff at a private non-profit residential program for children with autism. Twenty-one staff participated in the study which was evaluated through the use of a multiple baseline across three individual group homes serving a total of 26 children with developmental disabilities. The procedure consisted of manipulating the manner in which staff reported unscheduled absences. During baseline conditions, unscheduled absences were reported to an individual whose only responsibility to the organization, aside from some art time clerical work, was to arrange substitute coverage for staff who were absent. Under treatment conditions, the additional response requirement of having staff notify an immediate supervisor in the event of an unscheduled absence was imposed. The procedure reduced the use of unscheduled leave by 56%, 66%, and 35% in homes 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Results are discussed in terms of benefits of the program to the clients served, and to the agency.