That doesn't even include the inefficiency, aggravation and customer relations problems that occur as the result of reworked schedules or last minute pinch-hitting.
Absences do occur for legitimate reasons, such as serious illness, deaths, or family emergencies.
But they also occur because of minor aches and pains, sleepless nights and sunny days, hangovers, and the momentary desire to be someplace other than work. As an employer, you can prevent many employee absences. Your policy should hold out 100 percent attendance as the desired state of affairs. Follow up your policy with specific procedures. These procedures should outline the circumstances under which you'll allow an employee to be absent, and the check-in steps employees should take to alert you to absences.