HR Operations • 6 min read • Updated September 2026

How to Calculate Loss of Pay (LOP) and Unpaid Absences in Monthly Payroll

A step-by-step mathematical guide to calculating daily wage deductions for unpaid leaves, half-days, and mid-month joiners.

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Wokaim Workforce Operations Editorial Team
Reviewed for Fair Labor, Statutory Payroll & Compliance Accuracy

1. The Mathematics of Loss of Pay (LOP)

When an employee exhausts their paid leave balance or takes unapproved leave, the employer must deduct those days from their monthly salary calculation.

The two common standard formulas for computing per-day salary are:

  • Calendar Days Basis: Per Day Salary = Monthly Gross Salary ÷ Total Days in Month (e.g., 30 or 31). Best for fixed salaried staff.
  • Working Days Basis: Per Day Salary = Monthly Gross Salary ÷ Actual Working Days in Month (e.g., 22 days). More accurate for shift-based workers.
  • LOP Deduction Formula: Total LOP Deduction = LOP Days × Per Day Salary.
Automated LOP Sync

Never Calculate LOP Deductions Manually

Wokaim syncs approved leave balances directly into payroll, computing exact Loss of Pay deductions automatically in 1 click.

✓ Automated Calendar & Working Day Formulas ✓ Half-Day & Unpaid Shift Deduction ✓ Itemized Salary Slip Transparency ✓ Zero Setup Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wokaim handle half-day LOP deductions?
Wokaim allows employees to apply for half-day leaves (morning or afternoon shift), automatically calculating a 0.5 day LOP deduction during pay run reconciliation.
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