Comments on: Who won this case? Disabled employee couldn’t meet attendance requirements

By: Sheryl Butler

Sheryl Butler — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:11:44 +0000

Some things were really missed here. There should have been a progressive discipline guideline for employees and their supervisors. Seems this could have been resolved with finding out if the employee was hindered at the work site from getting to the time clock or at the desk for signing in or was it a personal preference to spend time elsewhere. Most times an employee will admit they are choosing to do this, rather than conform to a stricter policy.
Based on experience from a wheelchair bound spouse, they will make it to work on time or before so they won’t be late. This all counts to personal responsibility for the job assignment. But than again some companies and supervisors use a new policy practice to thin the herds.

By: Susan Shaffer

Susan Shaffer — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:07:06 +0000

Punctuality is important and requiring adherence is not unreasonable. However, a “Prudent Person” rule should apply. The individual in question was not openly disregarding the rule; he/she had legitimate reasons for being a few minutes late. Also, the individual was willing to work later in the afternoon to make up the time. A prudent person would allow this. Rules are necessary, but blind enforcement is not.

By: Debbie Crone

Debbie Crone — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:23:41 +0000

It should not matter if they employee is late or not as long as his job is being done and is willing to stay late to make up his time, he or she should be able to do that.
Just because the are handicap they should be able to come in late or earlier to work. It is hard for them to get around and when there are alot of people around it hard to get through to get to your job on time.
I think they should work with him or her.

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:25:37 +0000

Being on time should be a standard and we tell our employees the same think. Our customers know our hours of operation and have expectations of reaching them. We also tell employees that leaving 5 to 10 minutes earlier from home to avoid delays has never harmed anyone.