The Impact of Women’s Absenteeism on an Electric Components’ Industry

A common finding in absenteeism research is that women are, on average, more absent from work than men. Currently, there is a particular absence culture for women since gender inequality is still a problem in the Portuguese’ workplace. As it is exposed in this article, there are several causes of absenteeism associated with gender that are qualitatively different for men and women. In order to face this problem, a study was developed on a real company producing electric components, although due to confidentiality it is not possible to name the company. By using lean principles and concepts and improving women’s working conditions through different line operation mode, ergonomic changes and an incentive system, employers can reduce women’s absenteeism but also have a significant impact on the companies’ revenues. A Rabbit Chase operating mode was simulated and the results are promising in terms of reducing the impact of absenteeism in the production performance as well as having the potential of reducing the absenteeism itself.