Objective

The purpose of this policy is to set forth Joining Hands Visitation’s policy and procedures for handling employee absences and tardiness to promote the efficient operation of the company and minimize unscheduled absences. 

Policy

Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at Joining Hands Visitation. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time and prepared to start working. Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule. Late arrival, early departure or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided.

This policy does not apply to absences covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or leave provided as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Absence

“Absence” is defined as the failure of an employee to report for work when he or she is scheduled to work. The two types of absences are defined below:

1. Excused absence occurs when all the following conditions are met.
   • The employee provides to his or her supervisor sufficient notice at least 24 hours in advance of the absence.
     • This can be done by contacting his or her supervisor directly or contacting administration through the JHV Staff Text Line 360.328.1403
   • The absence request is approved in advance by the employee’s supervisor.
   • The employee has secured sufficient coverage for their shift or scheduled a make-up visit if necessary
2. Unexcused absence occurs when any of the above conditions are not met. If it is necessary for an employee to be absent or late for work because of an illness or an emergency, the employee must notify his or her supervisor no later than the employee’s scheduled starting time on that same day. If the employee is unable to call, he or she must have someone make the call.
   • If his or her supervisor has to reach out to the employee for a reason for his or her absence, regardless of it being an emergency or illness, the absence is unexcused

An unexcused absence counts as one occurrence for the purposes of discipline under this policy.

Employees with three or more consecutive days of excused absences because of illness or injury must give Joining Hands Visitation proof of physician’s care and a fitness for duty release prior to returning to work.

Tardiness and Early Departures

Employees are expected to report to work and return from breaks on time. If employees cannot report to work as scheduled, they must notify their supervisor no later than their regular starting time. This notification does not excuse the tardiness but simply notifies the supervisor that a schedule change may be necessary.

Employees who must leave work before the end of their scheduled shift must notify a supervisor immediately.

Tardiness and early departures are each one-half an occurrence for the purpose of discipline under this policy.

Disciplinary Action

Excessive absenteeism is defined as three or more occurrences of unexcused absence in a 30-day period, which will result in disciplinary action either verbal or written warning. Five occurrences of unexcused absence in a 3-month period are considered grounds for termination.

Job Abandonment

Any employee who fails to report to work for a period of two days or more without notifying his or her supervisor will be considered to have abandoned the job and voluntarily terminated the employment relationship.