Final answer:
Decreased absenteeism in remote work environments is primarily due to employees being less exposed to illnesses and having improved job satisfaction and work-life balance. This flexibility can lead to reduced turnover and also supports managing personal and family obligations better.
Step-by-step explanation:
The likely reason for decreased absenteeism when remote work is allowed is b. decreased sick time due to not being exposed to coworkers' germs. By working remotely, employees limit their exposure to illnesses that can spread in an office environment. Remote work often leads to improved job satisfaction and reduced work-family conflict, which can also positively impact attendance rates. The immense flexibility offered by telecommuting allows employees to better manage their time and work-life balance, potentially decreasing employee turnover. Studies have shown that factors such as a supportive supervisor and practical support from home contribute to decreasing work-family conflict and increase job satisfaction, further reducing absenteeism.
Although stress can increase when telecommuting, due to intensified conflict between work and family obligations, overall remote work can help mitigate absenteeism. It's vital to consider the individual's home environment since the presence of excessive care responsibilities, particularly for women, might not see the same decrease in absenteeism when working remotely. Moreover, implementing remote work can reduce the spread of common illnesses, consistent with the finding that stressed individuals are more susceptible to contracting the common cold and other diseases.