How HR concepts are related to absenteeism in general?

Answer 1

HR starts with the assumption that someone not attending work has a valid reason for not doing so. Further, since a Company has a legal requirement to look after its work-force, HR need to discover what the real reason is (as opposed to 'just off sick') and try to minimise any legal liability.

Taking the day off eg. because you hate your Manager is still (from HR point of view) valid - you can later use it as evidence of victimisation etc. so HR needs to solve that issue .. and this may mean getting the Manager to modify his/her behaviour.

Answer 2

I have seen that, whenever possible, ask in advance and there's seldom a problem. .
Just calling off sick is becoming less acceptable. Of course, if you are truly SICK, just get a back to work slip from your doctor and all will be well..
Bad things do happen, and having people call off for death in the families, is nothing unusual. To verify it, just read the paper.
But it's those chronic call offs which drive HR bonkers. Or Piss them off. Like having three grandmothers die in one year., all on a Thursday night.