07 Apr Work Attendance Matters

Employee absenteeism is one of the most common workplace problems facing employers in today’s workplace. A Human Resources website sited a recent CCH Unscheduled Absence Survey.  The survey found that employers are losing ground when it comes to keeping workers on the job. Unscheduled absenteeism rates have risen to their highest level since 1999.

Legitimate illnesses still account for the majority of employee absences, but some studies have shown that less than one-third of absences from the workplace are related to poor health. Most employers offer their workers vacation, sick leave, paid time off, or other kinds of paid and unpaid leave.

One of the most frustrating parts of administering attendance policies for employers is the incredible amount of abuse that takes place.  Absenteeism problems can range from employees not calling in or not showing up for their shifts, taking sick leave when well, and exhausting their available leave every month, to requesting extra time off and establishing patterns of abuse.

Abuse of absenteeism policies has significant impact on the employer, and can jeopardize the employee’s future success with the company.  It is important for the employer to discuss the issue with the employee as soon as an attendance problem is noticed.  This is to understand the root cause of the issue, and to ensure the employee has a clear understanding of the company’s policies.

As an employee, poor attendance may have an impact on obtaining employment with other companies when they do a reference check.  A past employer can legally state that a former employee would not be eligible for rehire, as a result of attendance issues.