The conundrum of absenteeism in the Canadian public service: A wicked problem perspective
Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Canadian Public Administration
Abstract
Absenteeism has received increasing attention in public sectors across the world. In Canada's federal public service, absenteeism cost the government approximately $871 million in lost wages in 2013 alone (Barkel 2014a). Current and previous Canadian governments have attempted to reform sick-leave policy to reduce absenteeism, but simple solutions to a complex problem will likely result in negative and unforeseen consequences. This article conceptualizes absenteeism as a “wicked problem” to explore its complexity. Addressing absenteeism requires a deeper understanding of issues and factors by government representatives, unions, NGOs, and policy experts, which can lead to multifaceted solutions. © The Institute of Public Administration of Canada/L'Institut d'administration publique du Canada 2017