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All companies experience employee absenteeism. That’s why it’s important to develop strong absence management policies that are fair to the company and their staff. Absence from work can usually fit into either of the following categories – planned or authorised absence (such as holidays etc.) or unplanned/unexpected.

 

Unplanned absences can cause major disruptions in the workplace. Usually, this comes down to a short term absence which an employer is unaware of until just before it happens.

It can be difficult for an employer to make cover arrangements on such short notice, leading to further problems. 

 

Lamont Jones can help and guide you through these situations, so you develop the best policies for your organisation.

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Employee absence management

Why is employee absence management important?

All companies experience employee absenteeism. That’s why it’s important to develop strong absence management policies that are fair to the company and their staff. Absence from work can usually fit into either of the following categories – planned or authorised absence (such as holidays etc.) or unplanned/unexpected.

Unplanned absences can cause major disruptions in the workplace. Usually, this comes down to a short term absence which an employer is unaware of until just before it happens. It can be difficult for an employer to make cover arrangements on such short notice, leading to further problems. 

Lamont Jones can help and guide you through these situations, so you develop the best policies for your organisation.

What should an absence policy cover?

An absence policy should cover the different types of employee absence that can occur in your company. This includes things like how many days an employee can be absent before facing disciplinary action, what types of absences are considered acceptable, and what documentation is required for an absence to be considered valid. Additionally, the policy should explain how vacation days and sick days will be handled, as well as any other types of leave that may be available to employees. By having a clear absence management policy in place, employers can help to ensure that their employees are aware of what is expected of them and can avoid potential problems down the road.

Creating an absence policy        

An employer should have an absence policy in place to support employees and make it clear exactly what is expected if an employee is absent. An absence management policy should include:

  • how to report absences. Who to contact and when contact should be made
  • when an employee will be required to provide a fit note
  • when return to work discussions will be held and by whom
  • any review points that have been set by the employer
  • whether the employer uses an occupational health referral scheme and when this will be introduced
  • what pay will be received and how long for.
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Absence Management FAQ

Can an absent employee be disciplined for refusing to allow you to contact their doctor?

If an employee is absent and refuses to allow you to contact their doctor, they may be subject to disciplinary action. An employee must provide a fit note if they have been off sick for more than seven calendar days, regardless of how many days they work each week. 

The fit note is a medical statement from the GP that verifies the validity of the employee’s absence and whether they are fit to work. If your employee refuses to provide a sick note, this can lead to a warning, suspension or even termination of employment. 

Can an employee be dismissed for an authorised short term absence?

In most cases, an employee can be dismissed for a short, unauthorised absence. However, there may be some exceptions depending on the company’s policies and the severity of the offence. For example, if an employee has a good attendance record, they may only receive a warning for a first offence. Alternatively, if an employee has long term absences or has been absent multiple times, they may be subject to more severe disciplinary action. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what course of action to take in each individual case.

Is texting in sick acceptable?

There are a lot of different opinions out there about whether texting in sick is acceptable. Some people feel that it is perfectly fine, while others believe that it is rude and unprofessional. Communicate with your team and clearly outline how you would like them to report an absence in the future. That way, you can avoid any grey areas and keep on top of absence management.

How do you deal with an absent employee?

If an employee is absent, there are a few things you can do to manage the situation. First, try to determine the reason for the absence. If it is a personal issue, like mental health problems, see if there is anything you can do to help. If it is a work-related issue, see if there is anything you can do to resolve the issue. If you are unable to determine the reason for the absence, or if there is nothing you can do to help, then you will need to take disciplinary action. This may include a warning or even termination of employment.

How long can a doctor give a sick note for?

A doctor can give a sick note for as long as the illness or injury lasts. If the patient is still symptomatic after the initial period, the doctor may extend the sick note. In some cases, the doctor may recommend that the patient see a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

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