By Christina Santillo, SHRM-CP, Senior Human Resources Consultant
The start of a new year is an ideal time to take a fresh look at your workplace policies, especially attendance. If attendance issues were handled inconsistently in the past, now is the perfect opportunity to reset expectations, train supervisors, and ensure policies are enforced fairly and consistently.
The new year is also a great time for leadership teams to come together to discuss challenges from the past year and align on how similar issues will be handled moving forward. Consistency is key to reducing risk, improving morale, and building trust across your organization.
Recommendations for Employers
-
Review your Attendance Policy: Ensure your policy is up to date and reflects current practices, including your procedure for calling off in the event of an unplanned absence. If operations or expectations have changed, update the policy accordingly.
-
Train Managers and Supervisors: All managers should understand the policy and enforce it the same way. Inconsistent enforcement creates confusion and liability.
-
Apply Discipline Consistently: Employees should be held to the same standards across departments and roles. Consistency protects the organization and supports fairness.
-
Hold Regular Leadership Check-ins: Consider quarterly meetings for managers to discuss attendance trends, address challenges, and ensure issues are handled promptly and consistently across the organization.
Attendance Policy
If your organization does not currently have an attendance policy, now is the time to develop and implement one. A clear, well-communicated policy sets expectations from day one and should be reviewed with all new hires during onboarding.
When some employees are disciplined for attendance while others appear to “get away with it,” it creates confusion, increases legal risk, and damages workplace culture. Employees may begin to perceive favoritism, which can lead to disengagement and turnover. Clear policies and consistent enforcement help prevent these issues and promote a fair, accountable workplace.
If you are an employer with questions about attendance policies, attendance discipline, or if you have questions about any HR issue, contact our Risk Management Division by phone at 855-873-0374 or by email at . We will be happy to help!
Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. This article does not create an attorney-client relationship between Keystone’s Risk Management Division and the reader.
