PUŠ v delovno okolje 2025/2026

Absenteeism – A Problem for Employers, Society, and Employees

Project Title: Problem-Based Learning of Students as a Bridge between Study and the Working Environment at the University of Novo Mesto
Call: Public Call for Problem-Based Learning of Students in the Working Environment: Economy, Non-Economy, and the Non-Profit Sector in the Local/Regional Environment 2024–2027 (PUŠ in the Working Environment 2024–2027), 2nd call opening

Duration: Academic year 2025/2026

Project Value: EUR 21,700.00
Funding Information: The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

Academic Mentor: Assist. Prof. Dr. Malči Grivec
Contact Person: Assist. Prof. Dr. Malči Grivec, malci.grivec@uni-nm.si, +386 7 393 00 30

Project Description:

The project "Absenteeism – A Problem for Employers, Society, and Employees" addresses one of the key human resources and organizational challenges of the modern labour market. Alongside employee turnover and presenteeism, absenteeism directly affects productivity, labour costs, the organization of work processes, and employee well-being. Unexpected absences disrupt workflows, increase the workload of colleagues, and can lead to a vicious cycle of further absences, while presenteeism—the physical presence of employees with reduced work efficiency—is often hidden yet represents a significant factor in diminished organizational performance.

The project is grounded in the current situation in Slovenia, where absenteeism has been increasing in recent years and represents a major social and economic challenge. Absences are associated with various factors, including musculoskeletal disorders, injuries, infectious diseases, mental health issues, and chronic conditions, with the structure of reasons varying by employees' age. The rise in absenteeism is also influenced by broader systemic and organizational factors such as work intensity, stress, lengthy diagnostic procedures, and limited opportunities for early rehabilitation and effective reintegration after absence.

The aim of the project is to research and comprehensively examine absenteeism in Slovenia as a social, organizational, and individual issue, and to develop feasible recommendations for improvement. At the same time, the project demonstrates to (young) entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and students how systematic absenteeism management can become a source of competitive advantage, and how organizations can reduce costs, improve the work climate, and increase the stability of work teams through appropriate measures.

The project is based on a combination of a literature review, analysis of official statistics, and original empirical research using survey methods. In the first phase, students will analyze absenteeism trends in Slovenia and identify regional and sector-specific characteristics, followed by a survey conducted among employers and employees. The research will shed light on existing employer practices (prevention, workplace adaptations, flexible work arrangements, return-to-work programs), assess the direct and indirect costs of absenteeism, and examine organizations' readiness to introduce new measures. Particular attention will also be given to the employee perspective, including reasons for absences, the prevalence of presenteeism, and needs related to preventive and reintegration approaches.

The results will be presented in a clear, visually supported brochure intended for employers, employees, students, and the general public. In addition, the project will develop practical tools that organizations can immediately apply in practice, such as an absenteeism cost calculator, sample communication protocols during absence and upon return to work, guidelines for workplace adaptations, and a collection of good practices. A reference "mini-model" of absenteeism management—from prevention to successful reintegration—will also be developed, enabling organizations to pilot its implementation without significant administrative burden.

An important component of the project is the two-way transfer of knowledge between the academic and working environments. The academic mentor will transfer content related to organizational values, ethics, psychological safety, and quality of the work climate as factors influencing employee engagement and the reduction of turnover and absenteeism to the partner organization. The work mentor from the Maribor Regional Chamber of Crafts and Entrepreneurship will present the chamber's operations, entrepreneurial experiences, and the challenges faced by its members in the area of absenteeism, along with examples of good practices from national and European projects.

Dissemination of results will take place through a brochure, a round table with key stakeholders, online publications, and presentations within the wider community. The project thus contributes to the development of student competencies, the improvement of HR practices in organizations, and a broader understanding of absenteeism as a significant factor in productivity, health, and a sustainable work culture in Slovenia.