What is an Absenteeism Policy?

An Absenteeism Policy (also called an attendance policy) spells out the expectations for employee attendance, permissible reasons for being absent, procedures for notification of an impending absence and disciplinary consequences for failure to follow said procedures. The policies are important to make sure staffing is adequate, which can be a matter of safety with some employers. The policy should include a definition of attendance as well as a documentation and tracking method. It also should have a procedure for requesting time off in advance and excusing unplanned absences due to events such as illness or emergency.