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Trapped by a skunk! Employees' most unusual excuses for missing work

When it comes to workers' unusual excuses for missing work, do you think you've heard them all? Think again.

Ceridian LifeWorks asked human resources managers to share the most bizarre reasons their employees have given for missing work. Among them:

• I was trapped in my house by a skunk.
• I have head lice.
• The barometer was too high.
• The neighbor's dog died in front of my garage, and I couldn't get the door open.
• I couldn't open my garage door because the power went off.
• My car tires were repossessed, and my car was up on blocks.
• I left my car keys at work last night.
• I didn't have a key to lock my house because my mom took it.
• My washing machine was broken.
• I dropped my kid's bike on my foot.
• My apartment was so cold that my hair froze after I washed it.

"While these excuses are entertaining, absenteeism is no laughing matter for employers and coworkers," says Ceridian LifeWorks senior vice president Zachary Meyer. "Absenteeism costs companies millions of dollars annually in payroll expenses and lost productivity, not to mention the fact that workplace morale can suffer, as coworkers pick up the slack."

Meyer offers the following tips for employers who want to reduce the frequency of "unusual absences" and more effectively manage absenteeism:

• Establish a clear absence policy. Employees are more likely to comply with a policy that is well thought out, clearly communicated and applied consistently and fairly to all workers. Make sure the policy is in line with state and federal regulations.
• Develop an absence measurement system. Employers can't manage what they don't understand. Tracking absence patterns of individuals and departments allows employers to characterize and manage the root causes of absences, whether they are health related or due to something in the work environment, such as boredom or stress.
• Deal with frequent absences directly and with sensitivity and respect. Many times, employees miss work for valid reasons and truthful, unusual reasons. Ask employees who have legitimate, frequent absences how you can work with them to reduce the days they spend away from work.
• Promote a positive attendance policy. Make an effort to ensure that your workplace has a positive and inviting atmosphere. Recognize and reward employees who have solid attendance records.
• Encourage employees to take care of themselves. Employees suffering from colds, viruses and the like need to feel they can stay home to get better. They will recover faster resting at home and reduce the chance of spreading their illness among coworkers.
• Develop a plan to reintroduce employees who have been absent for extended periods. Keeping in contact with employees while they are away makes them feel appreciated, connected and compelled to return to work. Keep them in the loop regarding company news and ask about how you can make their transition back to work a smooth and comfortable one.

Contact your Ceridian representative to learn more about Ceridian's Health and Productivity solutions.