How many times a year is it ok to miss work?
Asked by Petitecherry
I have missed twice in half a year(I started July 08). I'm always early though. I'm always sharp on that. But I have missed twice since I started. The first was because I was sick to my stomach. The second was because I wanted to check back into school. What do you think? How many times have you missed in a year? Does it depend on the type of job? By the way I work as a receptionist, I go in at 8-5pm.... I have always called atleast 30mins before I go in... :| I dont know how bad that is.. WOW. Some people really are dedicated to their job.. XD anywho, I remember someone telling me from my previous job that 3 absences is good in a year..

Best Answer:
I'm one of Those People that suck it up and show up even when I'm sick, especially since I'm the Office Manager (and the only non-salesperson working here). I've haven't missed a day because of sickness, though I have taken my vacation days to get the hell out of Dodge for a while. Even those are planned at least a week ahead. You have to give everyone else advance notice that they need to pick up the slack, and do your work as well as their own. When you are deathly ill and have to miss work, you should call HR, your boss, or whoever-is-in-charge the night before. I get extremely annoyed if anyone calls up in the morning expecting me to be sympathetic (or worse, e-mails in that they're sick). That's true even if they always show up on time/early for work, and stay late/don't skip out early. Unless you're running to the bathroom every 5 minutes, are certifiably contagious, or have a high fever, take some medicine and stick it out. Be "dedicated" and a "hard worker" who is worth their paycheck. It's much better to go in and have the boss send you home than to call in for every little stomach twinge. You do that, you're considered "lazy" or "a hypochondriac" (or other terms that aren't accepted by Y/A), and are fodder for the chopping block.

I'm a waitress and I've worked at two different chains of the same restaurant (moved). I worked at the first one for 4 1/2 months and was late once (my car broke down and then the person that was giving me a ride car did too-that was amazing). And I called in once because my house burned down. I went back to work the next day because, lets face it, it sucked, but I needed the money. At the second chain I've been late once (was getting my tattoo touched up and it took a little longer then expected and I was ten min late). And I called in once because I was WAY sick, I usually go to work sick. So in over a year I've called in twice and been late twice. But everyone knows they can count on me at work. That's why I always try to make it into work. :)
Answered by Jade

Pet: I think all businesses have their own guidelines as to what they consider to be acceptable in this area. Two times in a half year doesn't sound excessive to me....especially if you've called in to warn then or had a very good excuse. Your job is pretty important and it needs to be covered, but things happen that we just can't help. I think if you cover all your bases so the boss doesn't think you're taking advantage of him or abusing his good will, you'll be fine. JMHO.
Answered by Ed K

You should always show up for your job unless you are unable to (you are too sick or emergency) or you have vacation or personal time to take. Whenever possible you should give notice - schedule in advance things like checking into school and use a vacation or personal day. If you don't have anytime to take then you should see if it is alright with your boss to arrange an unpaid day off. If you are too sick to go to work then you should notify your job as soon as possible before your start time. If you go to the Doctor it is a good idea to get a note to take to work so that your boss knows that you are honest about it. In general I would say that you should not miss more that 2 occurrences per year that are not scheduled. Most jobs have an employee manual that lays out what they expect. (When I say occurrence it is because lets say you were sick and missed 2 days, but had a dr. note - I think of that as 1) It does depend on the type of job sometimes. In your case if you are the only receptionist your not being there puts your responsibilities on other people. Which means it is going to cause issue with others if you are not there often. Being early is a good idea regardless of your absences. It lets them know you are reliable and dependable and will help you out when they are considering your attendance. Good-Luck.
Answered by curiousgirl

It's usually acceptable to have 60 hours of sick time during a calender year but, you have only been there for 6 months,so your probably on someones crude list right now. I suggest not getting sick for a least 8 months to get off that list.The economy stinks right now and they fully realize they can get someone to replace you easily. If your thinking that your showing up early and on time will be taken into the equation. Think again, it won't be. That's not to say they don't care, because if you show up late too many times you'll be terminated to. All employers want a employee that shows up on time and report to work when scheduled. Instead right now for six months you have displayed you cannot be counted on. The main reasons are because you have'nt been working there for 10 or more years. if you have been that then would be taken into factor. you have been there for 6 months that doesn't sit well with supervisors.
Answered by Tripod

I missed only one day in four years due to illness. We do provide 80 hours of sick leave per year for each full time employee where I work. I would be thrilled if our workers missed only twice in six months. That would be excellent attendance.
Answered by leysarob