Sickness, Lateness and Going AWOL During Probation

Sickness, Lateness and Going AWOL During Probation

Ok folks looking for some helpful tips here.

We have a probation period of 3 months for new advisors. During this time they are monitored for quality, lateness and sickness. We do extend probation on certain occasions on a case by case basis.

I am keen to find out what other businesses do with people who are late or sick during probation.

Here are some examples

5 instances of lateness in 3 months and 3 absences

4 instances of lateness in 3 months and 4 absences (1 AWOL)

With all cases, we go though a disiplinary procedure and we may dismiss or extend probation.

We do not have performance issues with these people, their stats are good and their quality is excellent.

So, 2 questions.

Should we extend probation for lateness, sickness and unauthorised absence?

Is there anything we can do at the recruitment stage to pick up on things like this?

Question asked by thornden4

Answer to Sickness, Lateness and Going AWOL During Probation

Hi Thornden,

In the call center I have worked for, we are more strict with attendance than KPIs.

The reason being is that KPIs are skill issues. With proper training and motivation, you as a team leader can make the employee perform.

Attendance issues, however, is a reflection of one’s attitude (With exception in cases where the employee has a valid excuse.).

Hope this helps.

With thanks to d3rck

Answer to Sickness, Lateness and Going AWOL During Probation

Hi All,

We have a probation period of 6 months for all new employees during this time the following apply

– Sick or late 3 or more times will mean you will fail your probation (this maybe extended by 3 months if performance is good)

Once out of probation normal Company rules apply no more than 14 days sick or 5 occurrences within any rolling 12 month period, if you exceed this you will be asked to an investigation meeting which could result in disciplinary action in line with the Company Handbook.

I also use Agency Staff, I operate a simple “3 strikes and your out” rule here, 3 times sick or late and we part Company. This has improved attendance.

Steve.

With thanks to Steve

Answer to Sickness, Lateness and Going AWOL During Probation

Hi there! i think as long as the reason is valid enough you can give them a chance 🙂 otherwise, pull them out 🙂

With thanks to DCG

Answer to Sickness, Lateness and Going AWOL During Probation

Hi – some good ideas and comments already posted. You might want to look into Bradford Scoring – this is a equationa and tool for managing absence that i’ve seen used in a number of places. It is often linked to bonus / incentives so if you’ve this type of environment it may work.

With thanks to Tricia

Author: Jonty Pearce