Employee absenteeism at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali in Rwanda, 2020

INTRODUCTION: Background: Absenteeism among health workers has become a problematic issue all over the world. This study aimed to determine the rate, cost, types, and factors of employee absenteeism at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at CHUK, using prospective and retrospective approaches/aspects, and a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire from July 2019 to June 2020. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to assess individual, institutional, and workplace factors associated with absenteeism among CHUK staff (clinical and administrative) RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-nine staff (159) completed the study, which gave a response rate of 88.3%. The findings revealed that 337 (38.3%) staff were had absenteeism from 2019 to 2020. The absenteeism rate at CHUK was 3.3%, with the highest absenteeism observed among clinical staff, 82% (278 staff), and the lowest among administrative staff, 17.5 % (59 staff). The average cost per absentee was observed to be 173.4 USD, and the estimated total cost for absenteeism at CHUK was 58 465 USD per year. Key contributing factors included inadequate equipment (72%), high workload (54%), and long commuting distances, with 83% of participants traveling more than 10 km to work. The average cost per absentee was $173.40, translating to an estimated annual financial burden of $58,465. The study also highlighted the role of workplace-related challenges, such as insufficient resources and limited flexibility in work schedules. CONCLUSION: The study found that CHUK employees' absenteeism rate was 3.3%, with clinical staff being the most affected. Addressing identified factors through improved management practices, employee welfare, and strategic Human Resource Management (HRM) interventions could reduce absenteeism and its financial impact.