Dear Friends,
I recently came across a posting on absenteeism seeking advice on action required in such cases. I will be presenting two cases one after the other may be imaginary one -if you feel so. Expect your reactions.
Case No.1
The employee was a chronic absentee. But once he was present he used to do his work as well as help all others too. He was so humorous and jovial. Every body not just liked but loved him. Though he was a senior staff member he never bossed over any. He was always ready to help even in others family matters; in fact he was every body’s family friend. At anyone’s family function either happy or sorrowful he was all in all there. Even the children of almost every staff loved his presence.
For his chronic absenteeism every time he used to present solid reasons. His baby girl was ill, his mother in-law had heart attack, and his grand father’s funeral and so on, quite often repeated same reasons. He never disclosed to any one about his residence or family details. He always used to some how divert the discussion if any one asked on his personal matters.
His work was perfect. His table was always clear. He was however a headache for HR. They could not tolerate his absenteeism. Papers were put up many times for disciplinary action. Despite the warnings and even threat of termination from top he used to be absent.
While on the beach road on way back from some official duty during working hours HR Manager saw the fellow on the beach with poor village children flying kites. At the office he confirmed that the fellow was absent. He decided to sign his termination papers and called for the office to put up.
Very next day the HRMgr had to meet one of his close friends -a Cancer specialist at the hospital. As the HRMgr was entering the Doctor’s room the fellow -our man was coming out. He probably did not see the HRMgr..
On enquiry HRMgr was shocked to hear from his Doctor friend that the fellow was a cancer patient to die in a month or two, he was living alone, spending all his money for the poor village children, spending time for social service - all the time suffering severe pain and eating pain killers for food.
If you are the HRMgr, back in the office will you sign the termination orders or not ?
Regards,
Kesava Pillai
I recently came across a posting on absenteeism seeking advice on action required in such cases. I will be presenting two cases one after the other may be imaginary one -if you feel so. Expect your reactions.
Case No.1
The employee was a chronic absentee. But once he was present he used to do his work as well as help all others too. He was so humorous and jovial. Every body not just liked but loved him. Though he was a senior staff member he never bossed over any. He was always ready to help even in others family matters; in fact he was every body’s family friend. At anyone’s family function either happy or sorrowful he was all in all there. Even the children of almost every staff loved his presence.
For his chronic absenteeism every time he used to present solid reasons. His baby girl was ill, his mother in-law had heart attack, and his grand father’s funeral and so on, quite often repeated same reasons. He never disclosed to any one about his residence or family details. He always used to some how divert the discussion if any one asked on his personal matters.
His work was perfect. His table was always clear. He was however a headache for HR. They could not tolerate his absenteeism. Papers were put up many times for disciplinary action. Despite the warnings and even threat of termination from top he used to be absent.
While on the beach road on way back from some official duty during working hours HR Manager saw the fellow on the beach with poor village children flying kites. At the office he confirmed that the fellow was absent. He decided to sign his termination papers and called for the office to put up.
Very next day the HRMgr had to meet one of his close friends -a Cancer specialist at the hospital. As the HRMgr was entering the Doctor’s room the fellow -our man was coming out. He probably did not see the HRMgr..
On enquiry HRMgr was shocked to hear from his Doctor friend that the fellow was a cancer patient to die in a month or two, he was living alone, spending all his money for the poor village children, spending time for social service - all the time suffering severe pain and eating pain killers for food.
If you are the HRMgr, back in the office will you sign the termination orders or not ?
Regards,
Kesava Pillai