Personality factors predict absenteeism in the workplace

The current study investigates the degree to which traits from the five factor model (FFM) of personality can be used to predict absenteeism in the workplace. On the basis of past research it was predicted extraversion positively, and conscientiousness negatively, predicts work absence. Participants (N = 54) from a photo processing company were tested and absence data was collected from the company's archival records. Regression analysis demonstrated extraversion to positively predict absenteeism in the workplace. The results support the FFM as a valuable basis from which to investigate the relationship between dispositional factors and absenteeism. ©2006 IDR Publishing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved.