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What is considered a good reason to call out of work?

What is an excused absence and what is not.


Absenteeism is an unavoidable challenge in the workplace. In 2022, Americans averaged nearly 1.6 million absences per month, adding up to 19 million missed days of work annually.

What is Absenteeism? Absenteeism is the term used for chronic or habitual absences from the workplace that are unplanned. Absenteeism can also include partial absences like lateness, early departures, and long lunches.

When keeping track do you differentiate between chronic absenteeism and other types of absences. Excused vs. not excused?

Everyone misses work occasionally, but what constitutes a good reason to miss work?

  • Illnesses, even though sudden, are typically excused. They are not something that happens on a regular basis.

  • Unplanned or unexpected lack of childcare. Sometimes things happen.

  • Accident or injury to the employee or a family member.

  • Fire, flood, or another household emergency.

If you have employees that have a chronic absenteeism issue, take a few minutes to talk with them to see if you can get to the root of the problem.

  • What is your culture around taking time off? The employee may be worried that their request for time off will be turned down.

  • The employee could be feeling unappreciated so doesn't feel an obligation to come to work.

  • Or is there a legitimate reason for them missing work but they haven't let you know. In some cases, absences may qualify as a reasonable accommodation under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Both planned and unplanned absences can impact your business. If you want to learn more about tracking absenteeism and ways to improve attendance within your organization, feel free to reach out to Big Dog HR. We can talk about the specifics as it relates to your business.

What my dog looks like when he doesn't get to go to work.
Don't feel like going to work?

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