What to do if you have no-shows for work

Author: Halley Harrelson Published: November 2022

What to do if you have no-shows for work

A no-call, no-show absence can be a severe offense. When an employee doesn't show up to work and fails to let anyone know, it can affect the other employees and the business. So, how do you deal with a no-call, no-show employee?

1. Set up attendance rules. You are establishing attendance rules essential for controlling your business's no-call, no-show employees. Even if your business is small, you'll still need attendance rules. Include attendance rules in your employee handbook so everyone will be clear.

2. Create a no-call, no-show policy. Every business should have procedures in place to deal with absences. Without these policies, employees can take advantage of the system.

3. Make sure everyone understands the policy. Making sure that everyone understands what is required of them and has signed a document that confirms their agreement can help reduce no call, no shows.

4. Enforce your policy consistently. Consistency is crucial when enforcing your no-call, no-show policy. Some businesses have a zero-tolerance policy for these issues. Some may have a set of penalties that culminate with termination.

5. Address the core of the problem by improving your scheduling process.

6. Establish an on-call list. This will help if someone decides not to show up or call out.

7. Get to know your employees. This is a great way to prevent no-call, no-show incidents.

8. Call the employee to make sure they are okay. They may be dealing with an emergency.

9. Ask for documentation. For example, bringing something like a doctor's note may be necessary to confirm where the employee was at that time.