Which of the following is an example of innocent absenteeism?

Which of the following is an example of innocent absenteeism?

• A. Absence due to choosing something else over work
• B. Illness resulting from a disability
• C. Skipping work for a party
• D. Arriving late due to weather

Answer: (B)

Innocent absenteeism refers to absences that are beyond the employee’s control, usually health-related or disability-related, and may require accommodation under human rights laws. Illness resulting from a disability fits this because it is a health condition the employee cannot simply will away, and it may trigger duties to accommodate. The other scenarios involve voluntary or non-absent situations: choosing something else over work and skipping a party are clearly personal, voluntary choices. Arriving late due to weather is a tardiness issue and not an absence caused by health or disability.

Innocent absenteeism refers to absences that are beyond the employee’s control, usually health-related or disability-related, and may require accommodation under human rights laws. Illness resulting from a disability fits this because it is a health condition the employee cannot simply will away, and it may trigger duties to accommodate.

The other scenarios involve voluntary or non-absent situations: choosing something else over work and skipping a party are clearly personal, voluntary choices. Arriving late due to weather is a tardiness issue and not an absence caused by health or disability.