A Study of Sick Leave Utilization at St. Paul Hospital, Dallas, Texas

This study was conducted to determine the extent of sick leave utilization and the most effective means for reducing abuse and associated costs at St. Paul Hospital, Dallas, Texas. Research methodology included a review of the literature, compiling statistical data to determine usage and cost of the sick leave program, comparisons of the sick leave program with hospitals and other industry in Dallas, Texas, and a determination of managements methods of record keeping and controlling excessive use of sick leave. The study concluded that the current sick leave program is competitive with other hospitals and industry in Dallas, Texas, but that the amount of sick leave taken, and the cost had increased by an undesirable amount. It was further concluded that the program did not meet the varying needs of the employees and that managements system of controlling the program was unsatisfactory. The study recommended that the hospital establish a system for reporting and controlling sick leave utilization; stress the responsibility of supervisors in controlling excessive use of sick leave and study several variations of sick leave programs to determine whether they will better fulfill the needs of the hospital and its employees.