Demographic and Workplace Factors Affecting Absenteeism and Tardiness in a State University in Samar, Philippines

Abstract

Absenteeism and tardiness pose significant challenges in higher education institutions (HEIs), particularly in rural settings where socio-economic factors and workplace conditions often exacerbate these issues. This study examined 138 employees in a rural HEI during the 2021–2022 academic year, analyzing personal variables such as age, sex, number of children, transportation mode, distance to work, and economic status. Results showed absenteeism was predominantly occasional, with 83.33% classified as occasional absentees, 12.32% as semi-habitual, and 4.35% as habitual absentees. Tardiness was more prevalent, with 60.87% occasional, 27.54% semi-habitual, and 11.59% habitual. Significant relationships were found between absenteeism and family-related factors, including age (p = 0.002), number of children (p = 0.001), and the average age of children (p = 0.000), highlighting caregiving responsibilities' impact. In contrast, tardiness showed no significant correlations with personal variables, suggesting stronger links to organizational factors and work habits. Tailored interventions, such as flexible work arrangements, childcare support, and wellness programs, can help alleviate caregiving burdens, promote punctuality, and improve workplace efficiency, fostering employee satisfaction and productivity in HEIs.