Attendance Policy

Paul Peters is the Chief Editor of Betterteam. He's a former print journalist and small business owner and has written articles for a variety of newspapers, magazines and websites.

A person handing an attendance policy to another person

An attendance policy is a document that tells employees exactly how various issues such as tardiness, no shows, early outs, no call-no shows, and different types of leave will be handled. They often outline a progressive discipline policy for attendance infractions as well.

Attendance Policy Template Download

Attendance Policy Template Download

Download this attendance policy template in Word, and quickly customize it to work for your business. Instant download, no email required.

Employee Attendance Policy Template:

1. Overview.

2. Calculation of attendance infractions.

Employees are given a five minute grace period at the start and end of each scheduled shift and for breaks and for lunch. Employees are required to report an absence by [procedure for reporting an absence]. Employees must report each day they are absent. Failure to call-off one hour prior to a shift will result in a no call-no show.

Attendance infractions reset every [length time or dates on which employee attendance infractions reset. Typically 6 months or 1 year].

3. Overview of disciplinary action for attendance infractions.

Attendance issues will result in progressive disciplinary action up to and including termination based on the following point system:

If an employee is absent for three or more consecutive days, evidence for excusing the absence, such as a doctor’s note, must be provided.

Employees may request exceptions for work absences from human resources and management. These must be approved on a case-by-case basis.

4. Excused, unpaid absences without disciplinary action.

Excused, unpaid absences can be granted for funerals, jury duty, bereavement, childbirth, a car accident, medical appointment, and unavoidable emergencies. In these cases, employees must provide documentation to prove a reason for the absence.

5. Failure to clock-In or clock-out.

Employees must clock-in and clock-out for each shift. If there is any problem recording a clock-in or clock-out, inform employees should inform a manager immediately. Employees who consistently fail to clock-in or clock-out may receive disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

6. Attendance policy exceptions.

Absence because of bereavement, jury duty, or military duty, are exempt from disciplinary action, as are FMLA and ADA related absences. Bereavement, jury duty and military exemptions require proper documentation to be given to a manager within 48 hours of the absence.