Effects of an Informational Brochure,Lottery-Based Financial Incentive,and Public Posting on Absenteeism of Direct-Care Human Services Employees

Abstract

Chronic absenteeism is a problem encountered by many human services organizations. Large-scale intervention projects to reduce staff absences have incorporated applied behavior analysis methods but there are few studies in the extant literature. In the present study, the authors record staff absenteeism at a specialized school for students with developmental disabilities during a baseline phase and following implementation of a systems-change intervention that included distribution of an informational brochure, lottery-based financial incentive, and public posting. Intervention is found to be associated with improved staff attendance and reduced “lost wages.” Practice and research implications are discussed.

Keywords

staff absenteeism applied behavior analysis organizational behavior management

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Briggs, R.M. (1990). Reducing direct-care staff absenteeism: Effects of a combined reinforcement and punishment procedure. Mental Retardation, 28, 163-168.

Cook, T. , & Dixon, M.R. (2005). Performance feedback and probabilistic bonus contingencies among employees in a human service organization. Journal of Organizational Behavior management, 25, 45-63.

Durand, V.M. (1983). Behavioral ecology of a staff incentive program . Behavior Modification, 7, 165-181.

Hagermoser Sanetti, L.M. , Luiselli, J.K. , & Handler, M.W. (2007). Effects of verbal and graphic performance feedback on behavior plan implementation in a public elementary school. Behavior Modification, 31, 454-465.

Reid, D.H. , Schuh-Wear, C.L. , & Brannon, M.E. (1978). Use of a group contingency to decrease absenteeism in a state institution. Behavior Modification, 2, 251-266.

Van Houten, R. , Van Houten, J. , & Malenfant, J.E.L. (2007). Impact of a comprehensive safety program on bicycle helmet use among middle-school children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 40, 239-247.