How to Handle an Employee's Attendance Problems

One of the most difficult issues an employer has to deal with is how to handle an employee's attendance problem. In order to resolve this issue you will need patience, compassion and a firm attitude.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Address the attendance problem with the employee as soon as possible. Almost everyone is late at one time or another. It is a problem when the attendance interferes with the normal flow of business.

2. Give the employee the opportunity to discuss the reasons for the attendance problem. The reason may be a medical problem or one that is easy to resolve. If the reason is medically based you may need to be flexible in accommodating the employee.

3. If the reason is not medically based, try to come to a practical solution in resolving the attendance problem. You may give the employee a time frame in which to resolve the attendance issues. Be flexible and fair during that time. It is better to try to resolve the issue than to fire an otherwise good employee who may just need a little time to fix their attendance.

4. Document any discussion and agreement you had with the employee regarding the attendance issue. This can be in the form of a verbal warning notice. It should indicate what steps the employee will take to start work on time. It should also indicate what the results will be if the issue is not resolved by a certain date. This should be posted in the employee's personnel file. This may be important in the event of a wrongful termination lawsuit.

5. Be prepared to hold the employee to the agreement. It should be explained to the employee that you are willing to resolve the attendance issue but you have other employees and a business to manage.

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[sdwriter68]

on 2/2/2008 The downside of computerized systems is that sneaky and unethical employees will hang around after work and not punch out for an extra 10-15 minutes. They use the time system to their advantage!

[Skand]

on 2/2/2008 A computerised Time &Attendance system like TAS2000 from Softools Middle East (http://www.softoolsme.com) goes a long way in improving attendance issues like lateness. Employees become careful because time of In & Out are recorded and available in minutes, with historical information as against manual records keeping.