[ross16]

As a manager/ business owner does it get to you when employees call in sick I run my own business but i don't have any employees. But i JUST wanted to get people's opinion

Thanks I appricate your feedback.

Ross

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Hi Ross, I have to say the it doesn't "bother" me when people call in sick - IF they are sick. In the past, I used to work with someone who abused the whole "sick day" thing. And that did bother me, especially because you can never really say, "I don't think you're sick." But, if you work with honest, trustworthy, hard working folks, if they happen to be sick you should feel bad for them and sympathetic. Sure, it makes life a little harder for those in the office. But at least you have your health, right?

[deana79]

If someone is legitimately sick I would rather they call in sick then bring their germs into the office, after all, that is what sick days are for. There are some people that take advantage of sick days and call in because they simply don't feel like coming into work or didn't plan their vacation days appropriately. That gets to me.

[piasillo]

What about employees that are in a hostile and racist work environment and have to call out sick because they have an interview for another job?

[Stuart Wingate]

Piasillo, please see my response to your question (which was asked elsewhere) here.

[assaf]

Originally Posted by ross16

As a manager/ business owner does it get to you when employees call in sick I run my own business but i don't have any employees. But i JUST wanted to get people's opinion

Thanks I appricate your feedback.

Ross

first it can be that people will be sick , especially during the winter time.
BUT if the number of calls in sick start to increase then you have a problem.It means that your employees are not enjoying or feel uncomfortable going to work , when this sort of phenomena happens you should dig in deep to find out the reason.

[nag1953]

Periodic rest for an employee is as essential as giving an giving a regular overhaul to a machinery. If you expect efficiency you should insist that the employee takes periodic rest. In these days of a mad rush organizations are literally driving themselves and their employees to their limits leaving no time for themselves or their families.

People call in sick when they know that they cannot get to proceed on leave when told the truth. Even to avail their legitimate leave they need to obtain sanction. This is what leads to employees being untruthful.

[Fifilamour]

I run a call centre. Our company has a very good sick leave policy (10 days paid annually, management discretion up to an additional 20 days). I don't have a problem with an individual calling in sick, I prefer it if they are contagious or are having dizzy spells. They will also return to work quicker than if they "soldered on". The time I become concerned is if they are flagged by HR department when they consistantly take a sick day after their annual leave, after an RDO or after a long weekend or public holiday. If a pattern is noticed HR will contact us with the details and we advise the employee and that their sick leave will be monitored going forward. Usually there are no more occurances. If an employee goes over their 10 days, has a poor leave history or is a repeat offender (i.e. re the pattern) then we request they supply a doctor's certificate on all occasions. I think if you and your employee have a good working relationship and there is a certain level of trust built up then you shouldn't expect too many problems. I always believe the best of the employee, with a bit of healthy suspicion thrown in, and this has done me in good stead. My employees often say they like speaking with me, especially when they call in sick, and say they feel they are respected. Alot of them work hard to maintain their health and I regularly encourge them in their efforts. We also run a Fitness program in our office which boosted moral and the general well being of those who participate. Hope that helps.