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Abstract
The present study examined the effectiveness of a punishment procedure for controlling staff absenteeism in a facility for mentally retarded persons. Subjects were required to report sick leave absences and related information directly to their supervisor. The supervisor then provided subjects with information concerning the effects of the absence on facility operations. Results indicated a reduction in sick leave absenteeism following the implementation of the punishment procedure. Results also showed that vacation leave absenteeism increased systematically with reductions in sick leave absenteeism. Results were discussed in terms of employee-controlled (sick leave) vs. employer-controlled (vacation leave) absenteeism, and the ease and economy of the punishment procedure.