Policy and Procedure Manual
Policy and procedure manuals are a staple for just about every business. Employees usually receive this information upon getting hired by the organization. However, many fail to read the policy and procedure manuals unless a situation occurs where there are a specific concern. While we like the idea of having routine and order we tend to avoid taking these things into consideration.
For example, an associate of mine lost her job because she was ill. Her illness was not the reason that she was let go. It was the simple fact that she did not call to report that she was taking a sick day. The policy and procedure manuals that the company distributed to each and every employee clearly stated a no-call no-show termination policy that was in force across the board.
In this case, the employee called off on the first sick day but she slept through the second day that she missed. Since she did not make that second call she lost her job. Many of us at the office were astounded that the company would do such a thing but the policy and procedure manuals stated that each day off required a phone call.
This firing did cause quite a stir around the office. Many of us thought that this person should have a second chance. However, the policy and procedure manuals clearly stated that the no call no show employees are not eligible for rehire in the future. This also caused a stir as well.
It was time that the company reconsiders its policy and procedure manuals. The staff really lost a great coworker because of a rule that seemed to be written in stone. There was little room for logical explanation or unique situations, either. The young woman even lost her unemployment claim because of the policy and procedure manual.
Basically, she failed to follow the written rules. The facts were quite clear and she was actually able to call. She just figured that she should sleep and after all, we all knew that she was really sick. The cut and dry case really wasn’t cut and dry at all.
Of course, the policy and procedure manuals did offer examples of situations that allowed for a no-call no-show. If the person was in an accident or had a dire emergency, the absence would be excused. Sleeping through an entire day was not one of those situations.
chief @ December 21, 2006