# What should an employee attendance policy include?

<p class="elv-tracking-normal elv-text-default elv-font-figtree elv-text-base elv-leading-base elv-font-normal" elv="true">What should an employee attendance policy include?</p>

##### Post Metadata
- Posted at: about 2 months ago
- Author title: Account Manager
- Net upvotes: 1


## Comments
### Comment 1

A solid attendance policy helps employees understand what’s expected of them while giving managers a consistent framework for handling attendance concerns. 

Definitions: Clear definitions reduce confusion and help employees understand expectations.

Notification requirements: How far in advance employees must notify their manager, and through what channel. Many policies specify how employees should report an absence or late arrival, whether by phone, text, or through a scheduling app. If you’re using a scheduling app like When I Work you can also manage these notifications within the app for easy tracking. 

Documentation: When a doctor&#39;s note or other documentation is required — typically after a set number of consecutive days out.

Clocking compliance: What happens when an employee repeatedly forgets to clock in or out.

Accountability process: Employees should understand what happens when attendance issues become recurring, including coaching, documentation, and opportunities to improve as well as clear next steps if attendance issues continue.

Legal protections: Reference to applicable leave laws (FMLA and relevant state laws) so employees understand their protected rights alongside your expectations.

Positive reinforcement: Acknowledge employees with strong attendance. Recognition reinforces the behavior you want to see more of.

Have all employees sign and date the policy, and keep copies in their employee files. Tools like When I Work create a shared record of clock-ins, absences, and attendance trends, helping managers apply policies consistently and reducing confusion for employees. Free attendance policy template available at wheniwork.com/blog/attendance-policy-template.


##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: about 2 months ago




## Related Product
[When I Work](https://www.g2.com/products/when-i-work/reviews)

## Related Category
[Workforce Management](https://www.g2.com/categories/workforce-management)

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