What Is Abandonment of Employment? | HR Glossary | BambooHR
When an employee stops attending work without notice or explanation, appearing to have left the job.
Abandonment of employment occurs when an employee is absent for a sustained period without contact, authorisation or any apparent intention to return, suggesting they have effectively resigned.
Employers cannot simply assume abandonment. There may be a genuine reason — illness, an emergency or a communication breakdown — so reasonable efforts to make contact are essential before acting.
A clear policy on unauthorised absence, combined with a fair process, protects the organisation while giving the employee every chance to explain.
