Dear Evil HR Lady,
My supervisor has no family and no kids. She is in her 40’s and believes in 100 percent attendance. I had to take off yesterday most of the day to get my daughter organized to get her permit, her car ready, etc. My supervisor got angry at me because I was gone and decided that the vacation I had planned for the future was declined. Basically, the one day I was going to take off at another location that I work at (there are three employees backup there) was declined.
I cannot express how sad I am. I was really angry earlier, but now I am sad. She made me get an FMLA report because I need to go to the doctor once every six weeks. I just can’t believe it.
To read the answer, click here: My boss requires 100 percent attendance
With regard to the 100% attendance policy, I agree that employees should get time off scheduled in advance when possible, but sometimes supervisors –often workaholics with no personal lives, start mean little empires with draconian rules the company doesn’t actually support. If the reader works for a company with 50 or more employees within 75 miles (i,e,, FMLA qualifying), the company probably has an employee handbook or policy manual of some kind. If so, the handbook may have written guidance about things like vacation days, sick leave, etc. I would counsel the reader to try to get her hands on that handbook.
Also, every time a vacation/PTO request is denied, make sure you get it in writing –and save it. In many states, if you are entitled to vacation under company policy, but are never permitted to take it, the company must pay you for all of it when you leave –even in those states that allow “use it or lose it” policies, because equity demands that if you really couldn’t use it, you shouldn’t lose it. (This doesn’t generally apply to sick leave).
As to the FMLA leave, not everything can be labeled FMLA. The absences must be related to a serious health condition (like cancer, diabetes, or pneumonia). Some employers reach too far, labeling any medical absence FMLA, in order to “run the clock.” Assuming the reader does have a SHC, FMLA is actually GREAT for employees –because the FMLA provides benefits and job protection for up to 60 business days per 12 months. Yes, the paperwork and doctor’s notes can be a hassle, but if crazy boss fires you for taking FMLA leave, you have a great lawsuit.