St Patrick’s day brings nationwide celebrations, including into places of business. And while employees are free to have fun, it's important that these celebrations don't interfere with the running of your business.
If the fun goes a little too far, you might find yourself understaffed after the celebrations or facing a rush of last-minute leave requests in the run up to the public holiday.
If this is the case, what should you do?
Ensure you have an absenteeism policy in place
It can greatly benefit your business to have a written policy in place that outlines how you deal with employee absences. This can help you handle short and long-term absences in a fair and consistent manner, and it can help employees know what to expect.
Has the employee complied with the policy?
An absenteeism policy should require employees to notify management of their absence as soon as possible. Confirm if the employee has made any efforts to contact you in the manner required by your policy.
Try to establish contact
Try to make contact with the absent employee to establish the cause of the absence. It’s good practice to ensure you record the time and the methods you used to establish contact.
What about pay?
There is no general obligation to pay wages during unauthorised periods of absence. That is, of course, unless the employment contract states so. Otherwise, the employee has no entitlement to receive pay during unauthorised absences.
Schedule a return to work interview
You should conduct a return-to-work interview with the employee once they return. Depending on the employee’s explanation, it may be necessary to take action under your disciplinary procedures.
Dealing with repeat offenders
If the employee is a repeat offender, it may be time to begin formal disciplinary action to put a stop to intermittent short-term absences. In recent years, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has confirmed that frequent absenteeism can justify dismissal.
Take a measured approach
Unauthorised absences can occur for many reasons and they can be frustrating and costly for your business. Still, acting too quickly and out of emotion may only aggravate the situation. It’s highly recommended you carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances before deciding what action to take.
Need our help?
If you would like further complimentary advice on unauthorised absences from an expert, don't forget that our advisors are ready to take your call any time day or night.