The Christmas period tends to bring out the best- and worst – in people. It is a time of year filled with parties, merriment, laughter, great weather and a lot of socialising.
But Christmas can also be a challenging time in the workplace, as employees may engage in inappropriate conduct at work related social events, may suffer the after-effects of excessive partying or may be generally less productive or effective than usual.
It can also result in staff not turning up altogether. We take a look at what employers should do if staff abscond from their roles over the end of year period.
Absenteeism, absconding and desertion: what’s the difference?
Many workers may be tempted to add to their public holidays by taking additional days off after Christmas, especially if they feel that they have been unfairly denied leave over the Festive Season.
Workers ‘pulling sickies’ without consent is a type of absenteeism. In order to avoid situations where staff are calling in sick for less than legitimate reasons, employers should remind staff that the usual sick leave policies apply over Christmas.
Employees must obtain doctor’s certificates or other acceptable evidence of genuine illness, even though it may be an inconvenient time for them to do so. It should also be reiterated that failing to attend work after key social functions – such as the annual Christmas party – will be frowned upon and could result in disciplinary consequences.
Unauthorised leave is a serious enough matter, but what happens if the absence drags on? An employee ‘absconds’ from work in circumstances where they have been absent, without explanation, for sufficiently long that the employer is entitled to infer that they have no intention of returning. This would apply if the employee has failed to attend for a number of days, without making contact with the employer (who has been unable to make contact in return).
In cases of desertion, an employee implicitly or explicitly demonstrates that they have no intention of returning to work. Advising co-workers that they will not come back from leave, emptying their work station of personal belongings, and failing to respond to attempts to contact them are all signs of desertion.
what steps should an employer take?
Although it is generally clear by implication that an employee has no intention of returning to work, employers must still follow due dismissal procedures to ensure that the employee is terminated correctly and fairly.
This requires several documented attempts to contact the employee. Initial contact should be by phone, followed up by written correspondence notifying that the employee’s position will be terminated if they do not explain their actions and return to work immediately. Written correspondence should be sent both to a personal email if possible, and the employee’s registered postal address.
what the fair work commission says
A Fair Work Commission decision handed down in January 2018 noted that an employee’s absence from work, without consent or notification, for three working days or more constituted sufficient evidence of abandonment.
If an employee has not provided a satisfactory explanation for their absence within 14 days of their last attendance at work, an employee will be deemed to have formally abandoned their employment and their position will be considered to have been duly terminated.
why do employees abscond?
Although the reasons for employees absconding are many and varied, some examples are:
- They have obtained employment elsewhere (and accordingly do not feel that they have any need for positive references);
- They are dealing with personal issues which exceed their desire or ability to be present at work over the holiday period;
- They feel that they have engaged in particularly embarrassing or career limiting behaviours over the festive season.
In particular, the Christmas period often makes people re-evaluate their life decisions and take stock of what they want (and don’t want) in the New Year. Terminating a working situation that doesn’t suit them, could potentially be at the top of their list.
How to keep staff engaged and avoid staff going AWOL
Although most organisations strive to be an employer of choice throughout the year, it is important for staff to be reminded at the end of the year that they are valued, and their hard work has been appreciated.
Celebrate the achievements of the past year, and if appropriate, reward staff with a festive bonus. Organisations should also strive to offer a fun, slightly more relaxed environment over the festive season. This might include offering extra snacks in staff common areas, and holding informal social events. This can carry over into the New Year, to help ease the way back into work. Another suggestion is to allow staff to dress casually in January and keep things fun with a holiday photo competition or barbecue lunch.
Employers should approach the festive season proactively, reminding staff of the conduct expected of them, and the requirements around leave during this period. If your organisation encounters an issue with staff, WISE investigates matters of misconduct and can assist in establishing the facts. Contact us for an obligation-free investigation quote.
