Business Considerations for Sick Time Approval

If the employee is not eligible for Family and Medical Leave, a supervisor can decide whether sick time is appropriate and can be supported. Sick time is a privilege and not a right therefore the supervisor may review other business considerations when deciding whether to approve sick time. These considerations include:

Absence Is the requested length of the absence practicable? What is the likelihood of the employee’s return to work? What is unit history of sick time approval and how are employee and business circumstances similar or different?	Operational Needs What is the current workload? Is this a peak period for the unit? Will there be adequate staffing and coverage? Will adequate resources be available to train the temporary employee? Are there any current reorganization issues?
Employee Considerations What is the employee’s performance record? (Factor in current performance appraisal and recent disciplinary action) Does this employee have a specific expertise that would be difficult to replace? What is the length of service? Did employee follow the procedures when requesting the absence?	Financial Considerations Is funding available for additional temporary coverage? Is the money designated to cover the absence request more urgently needed elsewhere?

Policies:

Classified Staff:
Policy #201.0 on Paid Sick Time

Appointed Personnel:
Policy #8.02.01 on Sick Leave
Policy #2.06.05 on Absences from Duty