Family influences on absenteeism: Testing an expanded process model

Previous research has focused on how job conditions and work attitudes affe ct employee absence. This research has continued despite increases in the n umber of employees who cite family issues as a reason for missing work and the existence of theoretical models which assert that family structure affe cts employee attendance either directly or interactively (e.g., Brooke, 198 6; Steers & Rhodes, 1978). Using a sample of 211 employed, married parents, the present study tested a series of models that have been expanded to inc lude the effects of family demands and family attitudes. Consistent with St eers and Rhodes, family demands were found to moderate the effect of job bu rnout on absence frequency. Experiencing a high level of burnout was associ ated with increased absenteeism if employees had children under 6 living at home or reported having difficulty with their child care arrangements. The se results have implications for the development of effective family-suppor tive policies. (C) 2000 Academic Press.