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The average per-employee cost of absenteeism climbed to an all-time high of $789 per year in 2002, up from $755 in 2001.

This higher cost comes despite a slight decline in absenteeism rates from 2.2 percent in 2001 to 2.1 percent in 2002 and reflects a price tag of as much as $60,000 a year for small companies, while the largest employers ante up more than $3.6 million.

Personal Illness accounted for 33 percent of no-shows. However, reasons other than illness accounted for 67 percent of unscheduled absences. Specifically, these reasons were: Family Issues (24 percent); Personal Needs (21 percent).

Stress (12 percent); and Entitlement Mentality (10 percent).

Morale seems to make a difference: companies that reported Very Good / Good morale had a lower absenteeism rate (1.9) compared to those reporting Fair/ Poor morale (2.4). The effects of September 11 also were much more likely to contribute to a change in unscheduled absenteeism rates among organizations with lower morale.

When it comes to combating unscheduled absenteeism, the two work-life programs rated as most effective were Alternative Work Arrangements and Compressed Work Week. Other programs receiving high ratings included: Leave for School Functions, On-Site Child Care, Employee Assistance Plans and Telecommuting.

Paid Leave Banks (also known as paid time off) continued to be ranked as the most effective absence control program. However, fewer than one-half of organizations have adopted Paid Leave Banks, while nearly all organizations report using Disciplinary Action.

Reducing employee no-shows doesn't appear to be likely in the near future: 83 percent of companies surveyed believe that unscheduled absenteeism is likely to stay the same or get worse in the next two years.

2002 CCH ® Unscheduled Absence Survey

The Rules of the Texas Workforce Commission covering unemployment compensation have been amended as follows.

Unemployment obligation assessment. The Commission will collect an unemployment obligation assessment from each employer eligible for an experience tax rate if, after January 1 of a year, an interest payment on an advance from the federal trust fund will be due and the estimated amount necessary to pay the interest is not available in the obligation trust fund or other sources, or bond obligations are due and the amount necessary to pay in full those obligations, including bond administrative expenses, is not available in the obligation trust fund or available otherwise.

CCH