How To Deal With Cleaning Technicians That Take A Lot Of Days Off
As cleaning business owners we have high expectations for our employees, and one of those expectations is that they'll show up to work when they're scheduled. But how do you deal with cleaning technicians that take a lot of days off?
"My cleaning technician called in sick - again!"
A cleaning business owner posted this question in the Discussion Forum:
We have an employee who has worked for us for about 8 months...in that time she's taken 1 week holiday and had nearly 3 weeks worth of sick days.
She is an excellent cleaner and works quickly. She called in sick today (Friday of a long weekend) knowing we were already short employees. She texted me at 2 am in the morning so I don't think she's faking it or lying about it.
We're are not sure how to handle this situation. Do we write her up? For being sick...? Which I do believe she was and always is...she's just one of those people that gets sick a lot.
Another experienced cleaning business owner offered this response:
Our written policy states -
Attendance and Punctuality Policy
To maintain a safe and productive work environment, [Company Name] expects employees to be reliable and to be punctual in reporting for scheduled work. Absenteeism and tardiness place a burden on other employees and on [Company Name]. In the rare instances when employees cannot avoid being late to work or are unable to work as scheduled, they should notify their supervisor as soon as possible in advance of the anticipated tardiness or absence. Seven day notice is required for any non-emergency absence. The only excused absence is when an employee is ill and brings a notice from a doctor. Three unexcused absences within one year will be considered grounds for termination of employment.
Upon the day of hire [Company Name] and the employee enter in to an oral contract being that [Company Name] provides a schedule of between 30 and 40 hours per week for each employee. The employee signs a statement that they understand the importance of our Attendance and Punctuality Policies and they are required to abide by our company policies. [Company Name] requires the employee to call the office at least one hour before each days schedule begins.
Be very careful how and when you fire employees, you are required to document every warning oral or written, stating the infraction and what is expected of the employee to make improvements. You do not want your unemployment rates to increase, should the employee be granted unemployment payments from your account.
And another experienced cleaning business owner takes a different approach:
We use a no fault attendance policy for all employees and it resolves so many problems. (I got this from another peer in the industry, but not sure from who at the moment so credit goes to another)
No Fault Attendance Policy:
The purpose of this policy is to establish the requirement that each employee work the hours scheduled for his/her position as a normal condition of employment. Unscheduled absences, tardiness, early clock-outs or coming in late interferes with business operations and prevents the company from acquiring and/or servicing new customers as well as adequately servicing existing ones.
This policy uses a point system and does not excuse or unexcuse any absences.
Each absence = 1 point per day (no multi-day occurrences)
Each late in (tardy) or early out (incomplete job) = ½ point (tardy = 6 mins or more late)
Each no-show for work = 3 points
Each return with no prior call = ½ point
Each absence-free 4 week period eliminates 2 points.
Each employee starts fresh, with no points, each anniversary year.
Disciplinary Action:
4 points = verbal warning
5 points = written warning
6 points = 3 day suspension without pay
7 points = termination
Note: Exclusions from this policy include military leave, jury duty, witness leave, and voting. This Cleaning Company is not presently covered under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Therefore, the only exclusions from this policy are the ones noted herein.
I have read and been informed about the content, requirements, and expectations of the attendance policy for all employees of [Enter Company Name]. I have received a copy of the policy and understand that I am required to work the hours scheduled for my position as a normal condition of my employment and my continuing employment at [Enter Company Name].
I understand that if I have questions, at any time, regarding the attendance policy, I will consult with my immediate supervisor, management, or the owner of the company.
Please read the policy carefully to ensure that you understand the policy before signing this document.
Employee Signature: _______________________________________
Employee Printed Name: ____________________________________
Date: _________________________
What is Your Attendance Policy?
If you don't yet have a policy, it's time to get one! If you borrow from the examples above, be sure to customize it for your company. And also check with your legal advisor to make sure it is a legal policy for your state, province, and/or country.
For more ideas on creating company policies, be sure to check the Cleaning Company Policy Manual and Employee Handbook for Residential Cleaning Companies
