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» Unusual Excuses for Missing
Work
On the lighter side of life, eConsultants Inc., a top provider
of Employee Assistance Programs, asked HR managers to share
the most bizarre reasons their employees have given for missing
work. They included:
•
I was trapped in my house by a skunk.
•
I have head lice.
•
The barometer was too high.
•
The neighbour's dog died in front of my garage, and I couldn't
get the door open.
•
I couldn't open my garage door because the power went off.
•
My car tires were repossessed, and my car was up on blocks.
•
I left my car keys at work last night.
•
I didn't have a key to lock my house because my mom took it.
•
My washing machine was broken.
•
I dropped my kid's bike on my foot.
•
My apartment was so cold that my hair froze after I washed
it.
"
While these excuses are entertaining, absenteeism is no laughing
matter for employers and co-workers," said eConsultants
Inc. senior vice president John K. Jones. "Absenteeism
annually costs companies millions of dollars in payroll expenses
and lost productivity, not to mention the fact that workplace
morale can suffer, as co-workers pick up the slack."
Meyer offers the following tips for employers who want to
reduce the frequency of "unusual absences" and
more effectively manage absenteeism:
• Establish
a clear absence policy. Employees are more likely
to comply with a policy that is well thought out, clearly
communicated and applied consistently and fairly to all workers.
• Develop
an absence measurement system. Employers can't manage
what they don't understand. Tracking absence patterns of
individuals and departments allows employers to characterize
and manage the root causes of absences.
• Deal
with frequent absences directly and with sensitivity and
respect. Ask employees who have legitimate, frequent
absences how you can work with them to reduce the days they
spend away from work.
• Promote a positive
attendance policy. Make an effort to ensure
that your workplace has a positive and inviting atmosphere.
Recognize and reward employees who have solid attendance
records.
• Encourage employees to take
care of themselves. Employees
suffering from colds, viruses and the like need to feel they
can and should stay home to get better. This is more important
than ever before. Escalator handrails are the dirtiest and
germ ridden public handrail in the city.
• Develop
a plan to re-introduce employees who have been absent for
extended periods. Keeping in contact with employees while
they are away makes them feel appreciated, connected and
compelled to return to work. Keep them in the loop regarding
company news and ask about how you can make their transition
back to work a smooth and comfortable one.
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