title: Reducing direct-care staff absenteeism: effects of a combined reinforcement and punishment procedure.
abstract: Absenteeism of 130 direct-care staff was reduced by 27% through a mixed consequence procedure consisting of positive reinforcement for reliable attendance and punishment (progressive discipline) for attendance abuse. Reduced rates of absenteeism were maintained over a 12-month period. A 17% reduction in overtime and an increase in annual staff turnover from 34% to 45% also occurred. Results extend the findings of mixed consequence procedures to residential facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. Development of a more powerful positive reinforcement component was discussed.
authors.affiliation: Walter E. Fernald State School, Belmont, MA 02178.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Briggs
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003098:Collective Bargaining; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D004647:Employee Discipline / Q000379:methods*; D004649:Employee Incentive Plans; D006783:Hospitals, State; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D010559:Personnel Management / Q000379:methods*; D000078329:Workforce