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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To find work absence procedures frustrating?

60 replies

Whoareyouanyway · 16/01/2025 22:34

In my place, even if you are sick you have to speak to them on the phone. You can email text etc. But you still have to physically speak to your line manager even if you're unwell.
I just don't understand why. Or if it's an emergency, I suppose if you are in hospital and physically unable to speak in extreme circumstances that's different.

Just don't understand this level of distrust that employers have, does anybody else have this in their contract?

OP posts:
GellerYeller · 16/01/2025 22:41

I worked somewhere that did this, based on data that indicated having to phone in personally discouraged skiving and reduced absence levels.

PrioritisePleasure24 · 16/01/2025 22:40

Anywhere i’ve worked you’ve had to ring. But tbh that was more ore less the only option in most of my jobs pre mobiles. Nhs twenty years always have to ring every bloody day unless a dr sick note.

Original poster
Whoareyouanyway · 16/01/2025 22:40

I just find it so cringey 'Yeah I'm fine thanks, just in the middle of throwing up/diarrhoea atm'

OP posts:
PenelopeTheShroudWeaver · 16/01/2025 22:40

I think it's pretty standard, and it's been the case everywhere I have worked.

It's not necessarily about distrust, it's also so the line manager can make sure you have the right support in place if needed (employee assistance programme, reasonable adjustments etc)

Original poster
Whoareyouanyway · 16/01/2025 22:38

Fair enough if it's a long term absence and they might want to find out as a one off when youre coming back etc. But having to ring every day of the illness is too much.

OP posts:
ExtraOnions · 16/01/2025 22:38

Nope .. I just send mine a message, no need to talk to anyone.

Original poster
Whoareyouanyway · 16/01/2025 22:38

If they've read a text/email explaining, I don't see why they then need a phone call? But what do I know.

OP posts:
JandamiHash · 16/01/2025 22:37

This is pretty standard. Blame the piss taking skivers!

Buttons0522 · 16/01/2025 22:37

Yep, agree, it’s crazy. We have to call between 7.00-7.45. So if you’re up all night sick you’d better make sure your alarm is on!

2chocolateoranges · 16/01/2025 22:36

Same in any work place I’ve worked in. You must phone in unless you physically can’t phone eg basically in a coma, dying etc.

we then have to phone in on day 3 day 5 and day 7, then check in once a week thereafter!