Use the Absence Attendance Type window to define an absence type and associate it with an element.

   To define an absence type:

1. Enter a name and category for the absence type.

   Suggestion: Give the absence type and its associated element the same name, or coordinate the type name with its element name. For example, name the absence type for a PTO accrual plan Salaried Sick PTO Plan, and its associated element, Salaried Sick PTO Absence.

2. Select Allow Absence Overlaps if absences of this type can overlap other absences. If you deselect this option, the application warns you if you enter an absence that overlaps another absence of any type.

3. In the Associated Element region, select the element defined for this absence type. Select the element's input value that holds days or hours. The unit of measure for the input value appears in the Units region.

4. In the Balance region, select Increasing if you want each absence entry to add to a running total of time taken to date. The running total covers all absence types associated with the selected element. Select increasing balances for absence types for PTO accrual plans, and for most other absence types.

   For absence types that have a set maximum amount of hours or days allowed, you may select Decreasing. In this case, each absence recorded reduces an initial balance to show time remaining to be taken for the type.

   Note: Decreasing balances require more maintenance. You must enter an initial balance amount for each new hire eligible for the absence type, and must initialize the balance for all eligible employees at the start of each year.

5. Optionally, select reasons that are valid for entries of this type of absence.

6. Save the absence type.