Its that time of year again when the weather can get in the way of a good days work.
What do you do when employees genuinely cannot get into work because of the weather. Is it their fault? Well obviously some things cannot be avoided, however, I always think its good to operate on the principle that you deal on each case on its merits. We’ve all come across incidents where the employee who lives miles away up a mountain takes 8 hours to get to work and gets there but the one that lives 5 mins walk away doesn’t.
Firstly, have an adverse weather/ incident policy. Define where possible, within reason, what adverse weather/incident actually means! I’ve come across employees who use a shower of rain or a gust of wind to cry off work given half the chance!
I would include the rules that employees need to abide by i.e. phone in as early as possible on the day or evening before a snowfall/flood/gale telling you whether or not it is feasible for them to come to work (always be mindful of their safety – if its not safe to come to work well then they shouldn’t). Last thing you want or need is an employee who’s had an accident and cannot come to work at all! Ever!
Work out and plan whether or not its feasibility for them to work from home or another location closer to home. You also should include rules covering whether any days not worked due to the weather conditions should be taken out of their annual leave/unpaid or otherwise.
I would also in the interest of fairness have clear guidelines for those employees who could make it and ‘just’ don’t and string it out for days (there is usually at least one!). The vast majority of people will make the effort if only just to boast and brag about their nightmare journeys!
Last of all – keep an eye on the weather reports and travelling conditions – these things never last too long. After all if they can go to work all year round in Finland ……………………………………..
Should you have any issues you need help with relating to any of the topics discussed here, we at NobleHR will be more than happy to assist you.
