6 Ideas for Implementing a Time and Attendance Policy

An effective time and attendance policy is essential for efficient workforce management, as is utilizing solutions such as Oracle Cloud Time and Labor with time and attendance software.  

Without a time and attendance policy, attendance issues go unchecked, which can lead to:

• Poor schedule adherence 
• Fewer hours worked than scheduled 
• Time theft 
• Buddy punching 

All of which increase labor costs while reducing productivity. Let's explore some time and attendance policies to consider. 

The Rule of Three 

Your time and attendance policy should allow for unexpected events. The “rule of three” is one way to accommodate them.  

It says that three tardy clock-ins become an unexcused absence and three consecutive unexcused absences can result in a termination. It provides clear guidance without holding employees to an impossible standard. 

Point System 

With the time recording and management of employee time data via the time clock, there’s an objective record when an employee was late or absent. Each tardy and absence can count for a specified number of points.  

When an employee passes the pre-defined threshold, managers should take action to improve their behavior.  

The point system also makes it easy to reward employees with a few points, which can be an incentive for high schedule adherence. 

Coaching for Better Performance 

A coaching process will alert employees that their absences may be a problem, while making clear the goal is to help them to fix it.  

Typical coaching levels are: 

• Level One– A verbal warning and discussion. The employee may have a valid reason and could be excused. 

• Level Two – A written warning that documents attendance goals that are mutually agreed upon. 
• Level Three – Management discusses with the employee whether the job is a good fit. This discussion may end in termination.  

Offer Benefits 

You can also use your time and attendance policy to show appreciation. Positive reinforcement for those who meet their employee schedules can improve productivity and employee engagement. 

Management can reward employees who meet or exceed attendance expectations through paid time off, a payroll bonus, or simple recognition on the company bulletin board. 

Sick and Vacation Time Off Requests 

The sick leave policy should allow a reasonable number of unscheduled absences. Employees appreciate knowing that they’re not jeopardizing their job due to a medical emergency. They’ll also feel less pressure to come to work sick. 

Many companies require employees to submit planned time off requests a certain number of days in advance. You can avoid cumbersome, long lead times by automating the time off request process. 

If you use Accu-Time Systems’ integration of TimeCom with Oracle Time and Labor, employees can request time off at the time clock. Automating this process speeds up response time, which improves employee scheduling. 

Be Consistent – Not Strict 

Your attendance policies should not be unreasonable, but managers must apply them consistently.  

When you develop your time and attendance policies, consider what benefits employees and your company. When you set your program, share it and abide by it. When you work for everyone's benefit, your company will grow, and your workforce will improve. 

Get in touch with our solution consultant today for all time and attendance clock needs.