Can I fire an employee for missing work?
So, if an at-will employee misses one day of work without prior authorization to miss work from the employer, that employee may be legally fired unless that employee misses work because they have a protected illness, disability, or obligation that causes him or her to miss work.
What to do when an employee is absent from work?
Keeping accurate and detailed records will also help protect you against a discrimination claim. You should document when an employee is absent and the reason given for the absence, and you should document any disciplinary action taken, including warnings, and provide a detailed explanation of the reason for the action.
How to deal with an employee who is missing time?
Discuss the importance of each employee, full-time or part-time, on meeting the needs of the customer. Indicate that the employer has the right to terminate the employee, no matter how valuable he or she is, as a result of the missing time.
How to deal with employees who don’t show for work?
It may be a time scheduling concern or it may be due to a lack of motivation. Ask the employee what his or her long-term goals within the company are. Then create an action plan for minimizing lost time at work. Establish specific consequences tied to missing time. Document every instance of the problem.
Can a company be disciplined for missing work?
As more jurisdictions enact leave laws and expand nondiscrimination requirements, you may need to take a closer look at your company’s attendance policies. Provisions that suggest employees will automatically be disciplined for missing work may not be compliant if the absence is protected under the law. Here are three scenarios to consider.
Discuss the importance of each employee, full-time or part-time, on meeting the needs of the customer. Indicate that the employer has the right to terminate the employee, no matter how valuable he or she is, as a result of the missing time.
What to do if an employee does not show for work?
Indicate that the employer has the right to terminate the employee, no matter how valuable he or she is, as a result of the missing time. Ask the employee to explain the no-shows. It may be a time scheduling concern or it may be due to a lack of motivation.
Can a employer discipline an employee for missing work?
If the absences are protected under the law, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act or paid sick leave, the employer is not permitted to count the absence(s) against the employee. If you suspect an employee is abusing their leave entitlement, you may be able to request medical certification.
What’s the best way to deal with an absent employee?
To be sure, contact a local attorney with experience in employment and labor laws before taking any action. Of course, the best way to handle this situation is to have a policy addressing it before it ever arises. Often, these policies can be included in an employee handbook given to the employee as part of their hiring packet.