There is evidence in the UK that employees are using all kinds of excuses to skive work. Short term excuses can account for up to 80%* of all workplace absences, yet these are usually genuine one-off illnesses. However, employers are finding that it is more difficult to track unacceptable long term absences – yet patterns do emerge. Here are some amusing and genuine reasons that employers have had to suffer and record as a short term excuse:

• Food poisoning

The main causes for food poisoning are failing to washing hands properly and keeping them clean; Keeping food chilled properly and at the recommended temperature; Cross-contamination when handling food during preparation; and cooking food properly. 

• A skip was dumped at end of my drive so couldn’t get out

Skip hire companies could be fined up to £1,000 in the UK if they’re not following council guidelines. Skips shouldn’t be placed onto pavements, and don’t need a licence if placed on private land. Skip hire companies have phone numbers displayed on the side of the skip, so that they are easily contacted. https://www.gov.uk/apply-skip-permit

• My girlfriend locked me IN the house

If you’re still in the house with access to the internet or phone book, an emergency locksmith should be the answer!

 

• Waiting for pegs to be delivered at home

Ask your workplace if you can arrange to have a delivery sent to reception, or simply arrange for a weekend delivery.

 

• My dog had diarrhoea

What can we say – employers certainly won’t want proof, fortunately!

 

Interestingly, fewer than half of employers monitor the cost of absence**, as absences of 8 days or more account for about a third of total absence**. Have you googled the ‘Bradford Factor’ calculation to score an employee’s absence? This is a scientific assessment based on the level of absence which many Human Resource departments employ – however, use with caution because of the nature of accidental injuries, for example.

Specialist covert surveillance experts are legally hired for commercial organisations and businesses, and often councils, to investigate long term absenteeism, which is on the rise in the UK – particularly in the current climate. Stress is on the increase and therefore proof is sometimes required if employees are taking advantage of employers.

Help your company investigate employee absenteeism with specialist surveillance services – visit my profile for details.

 

Sources:

* ACAS http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4268

** CIPD  http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/absence-measurement-management.aspx