Frequent Absences Without Approval: Is Leave a Right or a Privilege for Employees?

How can an employer deal with employees who are frequently absent without prior approval? Another consideration is whether leave is a right or a privilege for the employee.

Thank you.

Hi, Leave is a legal entitlement of an employee and an indivisible part of the total employment package. All employees have a right to avail themselves of leaves and to be absent from work on personal grounds or due to sickness, etc. However, it is important for employees to adhere to the company's leave policy and take leaves well within the limit while planning for any scheduled leaves to the maximum extent possible.

While unplanned sick leaves are inevitable, habitual unplanned leaves should not be tolerated. Employers should take disciplinary action if employees continue to take unplanned leaves even after counseling.