Final answer:
Without specific absenteeism data for Zeta Ltd., it's not possible to calculate the total hours lost to absenteeism. Absenteeism is a significant problem for businesses, leading to productivity loss and increased costs, and proper strategies should be implemented to manage it effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the total employee hours lost to absenteeism at Zeta Ltd., you would need specific absenteeism rates or data, which are not provided in the question. Therefore, we are not able to perform an exact calculation. However, the issue of absenteeism is a significant concern for businesses as it can lead to a loss of productivity, increased labor costs, potential delays in the delivery of goods or services, and could potentially affect employee morale and the company's overall performance. Businesses should deploy strategies to reduce absenteeism, which could include better engagement policies, health programs, and flexible working options.
As for the examples provided, they touch upon various aspects related to absenteeism but do not provide the necessary information to carry out a calculation for Zeta Ltd. For instance, the mean number of sick days cited, the study of college student absentees, and the statistics on working hours from the Bureau of Labor Statistics all highlight that absenteeism and working hours are pertinent topics for businesses to consider.