Employees Calling in Sick
levizmom
10 Posts
We had an employee call in sick when we had discussed with all employees that no one else could have the day off because we already had too many people gone that day and then another employee saw them at the movies later that night(this employee actually works the night shift). Is it appropriate to confront the employee about lying to you or even given written warnings for such behavior since this not traceable offense with all employees?
Comments
Here's how I think I would handle this one. Since the employee was seen at the movies at the time he or she was supposed to be working, I would confront the employee and see what he or she says (keep in mind the employee will likely know who told you). If he or she admits to not being out sick legitimately, discipline would be appropriate. The company should also consider how it has addressed this type of situation in the past and how it will deal with other employees who called in sick on that specific day--consistency is the name of the game. One other thing, if the employee is on intermittent leave or some other arrangement, the company may need to excuse the absence regardless. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Will supervisors ask workers about the nature of the illness or injury before authorizing sick-leave pay? Will a physician's statement be necessary, and if yes, after how many days of absence?
Wjat about sick days taken right after a vacation day?
Levizmom
I don't know if you are in HR or the supervisor (or both), but while it may be "appropriate" to confront the employee lying about being sick, I wouldn't do it.
There is a book called Your Boss Is Not Your Mother, and calling in an employee to say he or she was caught in a lie sounds like a parent catching a teenager out after curfew.
Don't think this confrontation wouldn't get into the workplace grapevine. This "employer as Big Brother" could cause animosity and damage your relationship with employees. Even if you don't name the "snitch," there will be a lot of conjecture and gossip.
Just issue a general e-mail repeating your policy that employees cannot take the day after a holiday off unless previously scheduled or unless a doctor's note is provided and that employees breaking the rule will face discipline.