What Are You Going To Do With Those Employees Who Always Call In Sick?

Whether you have been in management or a co-worker on the job, you've seen the patterns of that one co-worker who always seems to call in sick, and it's sickening.  Today on the Top 5 at 7:45, I'll highlight some ideas on what you can do to try and put obstacles in the way of those who often call in sick, when you know they're probably not.

In one survey, they found that one in seven women have called into their place of employment claiming to be sick when they were not. For men, it was only one and five. Here are some ideas that people have done to deal with the sick-day abusers.

1. What Saith The Law? - Once you've done all you know to do to remedy this persisting problem, know the law. I know that the FMLA states that employers must offer employees time to take care of their self and families. However, if you suspect that these privileges are being taken advantage of, and the employee may owe the company money, seek out legal advice from an attorney.
2. Time For A Chat - At some point you'll have to sit down and have a chat with the sick-day abuser. An adviser from Insperity, an HR services provider recommended that the employer ask the abuser if there is a reason for the constant absenteeism. That may give you more insight and help you to make the right decision.
3. Good-Bye Voice Mail - Most people will call and leave a message instead of calling you on the phone. If you eliminate the voice mail, they'll have to call you directly. It may not be realistic in all cases, but worth a try.
4. Policy Stringency - If your policy is too stringent, they may be finding ways around it to make personal business happen. Take a look at your leave policy and see if there are places where you can relax them. It may help the employees be more open.
5. Vacation Sick Day Merger - Instead of separate vacation and sick days, try merging them together. You can reward good attendance records for employees who don't miss out on work and discourage those not to take days off if they're not sick.

The Top 5 at 7:45 airs weekdays with me, Gary Freeman and sponsored by First Education Federal Credit Union.