Absenteeism affects a number of different sectors, but literature on public service absenteeism focuses predominantly on health and education. Notably, in recently published literature, there are a number of studies using randomised control trials to test interventions designed to address absenteeism. This helpdesk research report identifies and synthesises the findings of key studies, highlighting which interventions were found to have been effective or ineffective. It is important to note that interventions found to have been effective may not be effective in all contexts. They would not constitute best practice but can help guide policymakers towards interventions that are likely to be effective in future.
In addition to literature on specific interventions, this helpdesk report also highlights the key messages from guidance material on absenteeism, as well as emerging evidence which identifies factors that contribute towards absenteeism that could be used to inform future interventions.
