Time off ....

[DogChic]

How much time is too much time off for a bather to take? part time - 20-25hrs per week. I'm a pushover of a boss ... but in 5 months of work there have been 2 days called in sick (one the week before xmas & called 30 minutes before scheduled time to be in), about 5 days taken off (requested prior), and now just asked for 3 more days next month.

I don't think this is terribly excessive ... but at the same time - I'm the type of person to never call in sick, & rarely if ever asked for days off while working for someone else. I also do not have another person to fill in - but maybe this is part of my problem - looking to hire another bather soon.

employers, what are your policies in regards to time off/sick day?

[Smart-n-Pretty]

As long as it was scheduled time off and I knew about it so we could make due without her no problem. It's the calling in a few minutes before the shift starts that really hurts you. You cannot give her time off as if you can afford to spare her then blame her for inconveniencing you. I dunno if you realize it but, the person you are really mad at is yourself for not saying no. OTOH, if she is a good employee you can afford to be more lenient in her scheduling. She, however has to be a partner in her planning so you don't get stuck needing a bather and not having one. "my way or the highway" may mean you will be bathing your own dogs and not setting up clear rules in the first place may get you walked all over.

[4Sibes]

I really feel that this is one of those things that I would decide in advance what my "comfort level" was. (And, like Smarten indicated...we tend to cut really valuable employees a little more slack....but still...) I like to know that everyone is one the same page.....so it needs outlined, by me...to the employee, what exactly my expectations are.

In order for you to do that...you, need to figure that out first, for yourself.

It's the beginning of a new year...so make that little project a resolution.
Otherwise, as you are finding....people will ask and ask and ask until resentments begin to build. Particularly if you are a "pushover" and find it difficult to say no.

I'm a big fan of appropriate time off, and advance notice, unless it is an emergency.
I am NOT a big fan of Monday morning "flu" or 30 minutes notice w/out a valid reason.

Back in the days of managing a kennel....2 Monday morning "flus" in a 12 month period would have your arse put on serious notice.

[Cat Crazy]

I don't mind giving time off, when its scheduled well in advance and I can book accordingly. I'm not tolerant of the "last minute, call in sick" days off.

My current bather is very responsible and has a great work ethic. She will come in early and stay late when needed, so I'm okay with her scheduling time off. I just try not to schedule the big, hairies on those days.

Now, if she wasn't so reliable, I probably wouldn't give her as much time off. Or, I'd reduce her hours and hire a second part time person.

[Helly]

You know, I understand this from the employer's point of view. But as an employee, I don't plan on getting sick. When it happens it happens. If I've been up vomiting since 3 in the morning, I'm not going to go to work. But I'm also pretty reluctant to call my boss at 3am just to give her a heads up. The office phone isn't "on" until 8. I can't call before then, so I don't.

I also understand the mind set of "If she's really sick..." and I gotta say, it kinda stresses me. I know people abuse it. But I'm not one of them, and I do resent it when I think people aren't giving me a fair shake.

I have always been up front about my medical issues. The boss hired me knowing which way the wind blows. They know I'm more likely to need sick time than the average person. So why should they think I'm faking it? Maybe I should come in anyway, and throw up on someone's shoes? Or perhaps they'd be happier to find me in a corner somewhere, in a diabetic coma?

[lefty]

The boss hired me knowing which way the wind blows. They know I'm more likely to need sick time than the average person. So why should they think I'm faking it? Maybe I should come in anyway, and throw up on someone's shoes? Or perhaps they'd be happier to find me in a corner somewhere, in a diabetic coma?

>>>

I've been so lucky in that respect. I have a few health issues, but since I switched to working with animals I'm rarely ill (knock on wood). In a previous life I was a special education teacher and I was sick all the time. I did take some time off between X-mas and New Years to get a stricture in my espohogus stretched, have two crowns put on, and get a colonoscopy! Ahhh... the joys of getting older, watching a once splendid body slowly decay.