Absenteeism is a factor that adversely influences construction productivity. Construction employers in Alberta have been trying to address high levels of absenteeism on their projects but they have not been successful so far. This study aims at a better understanding of absenteeism on construction projects for its possible mitigation in the future. A hierarchy of causes of absence and factors affecting it in construction projects were identified. A survey and an Absenteeism Tracking Tool designed to capture the causes of absence were piloted on an industrial multi-contractor project in Alberta. Different survey administration methods were tested to successfully administer the survey. The study identified top ten causes of absence on the pilot project. Using statistical analyses (e.g., correlation with dummy variables), the study found that specific groups may have different absence cultures and attitudes toward absenteeism. Such findings can be used to improve the absence culture among the designated workforce. / Construction Engineering and Management

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