Starting a new job is exciting but also comes with a lot of information to learn, including your employer‘s policies and procedures. One of the most important policies to be aware of is the attendance policy. As an employee, it‘s crucial to understand what‘s expected of you in terms of showing up for work and what to do if you need to take time off.
FedEx, like most companies, has its own specific attendance policy that employees must follow. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about FedEx‘s attendance rules, from earning paid time off to the consequences of unexcused absences. By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of your responsibilities and rights as a FedEx team member. Let‘s dive in!
Overview of FedEx‘s Attendance Policy
FedEx expects regular attendance and punctuality from all of its employees in order to maintain efficient operations and provide excellent service to customers. The company‘s attendance policy outlines the procedures employees must follow for reporting absences and requesting time off, as well as the disciplinary actions that may result from excessive absenteeism or tardiness.
While the specifics of the policy may vary slightly by location and position, the general expectation is that employees show up for their scheduled shifts on time and provide appropriate notice in the event they are unable to work. FedEx uses a point system to track attendance infractions, with unexcused absences, late arrivals, and early departures each assessed a certain number of points.
Accumulating too many points within a set time period can lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Therefore, it‘s essential for FedEx employees to familiarize themselves with the attendance policy and follow it consistently to avoid potential job consequences.
Paid Time Off (PTO) at FedEx
One important aspect of FedEx‘s attendance policy is the paid time off (PTO) program, which provides employees with the flexibility to take days off for vacations, personal time, or other needs. The amount of PTO an employee earns depends on their employment status and length of service with the company.
According to FedEx‘s benefits website, the PTO accrual schedule is as follows:
- Part-time employees earn 1 hour of PTO for every 25 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year.
- Full-time employees with less than 5 years of service earn 2 weeks of PTO per year.
- Full-time employees with 5-10 years of service earn 3 weeks of PTO per year.
- Full-time employees with 10-20 years of service earn 4 weeks of PTO per year.
- Full-time employees with 20+ years of service earn 5 weeks of PTO per year.
PTO hours are added to an employee‘s bank each pay period based on the number of hours worked. Employees can check their available PTO balance at any time through the company‘s online HR portal.
It‘s important to note that PTO is not just for vacations but can also be used for personal illness, family emergencies, appointments, or any other situation where an employee needs to miss work. Employees are encouraged to schedule their PTO in advance whenever possible to allow for adequate coverage and minimize disruptions. However, the policy does allow for using PTO in the event of unexpected absences as well.
Sick Leave and Bereavement Leave
In addition to PTO, FedEx also offers paid sick leave for eligible employees. Sick leave can be used for an employee‘s own illness, injury, or medical appointments, as well as to care for a family member who is sick.
The amount of sick leave available and the requirements for using it may vary by location and employee status. According to employee reports, some FedEx locations offer up to 5 days of paid sick leave per year, while others may provide a bank of hours that can be used as needed.
For serious health conditions or injuries that require extended time off work, FedEx employees may be eligible for short-term disability benefits or leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). These options provide job-protected time off and may also include some wage replacement depending on the specifics of the employee‘s situation.
Bereavement leave is another type of leave that may be available to FedEx employees who experience the death of a family member. Again, the amount of leave provided and the definition of "immediate family" for purposes of bereavement leave can vary by location.
Some employees report receiving up to 3 days of paid bereavement leave for the death of a spouse, child, parent, or sibling, with 1 day of leave for other relatives. Employees who need additional time off beyond what is offered as bereavement leave may be able to use PTO or take unpaid personal leave with their manager‘s approval.
Reporting an Absence
To properly report an absence in accordance with FedEx‘s attendance policy, employees are required to notify their manager as soon as they know they will miss work. For planned absences, such as vacation time or appointments, employees should submit their PTO requests as far in advance as possible.
The preferred method for reporting an unplanned absence, such as calling in sick, is to contact the manager directly by phone at least 2 hours before the start of the scheduled shift, if feasible. Some locations may have a specific call-out hotline or procedure to follow.
When reporting an absence, employees should provide their name, employee ID number, the date and time of the absence, and the reason for the absence. They may also need to indicate if the absence is expected to last multiple days.
Simply not showing up for work without proper notification, known as "no call, no show," is considered an unexcused absence and may result in disciplinary action. The only exception is in the case of a verified emergency where the employee is truly unable to contact their manager.
After returning to work from an absence, particularly for an illness or injury, employees may be asked to provide a doctor‘s note or other documentation. Managers have the discretion to request documentation for any absence to substantiate that it should be excused.
Unexcused Absences
Attendance points are assessed for any absence that is not properly reported and approved, as well as for tardiness, early departures, and "no call, no shows." The number of points given for each type of infraction may vary but generally ranges from a half point up to three points.
Employees who accrue a set number of points within a rolling 12-month period will face disciplinary action. The typical progression is a verbal warning at 4 points, a written warning at 6 points, a final warning or suspension at 8 points, and termination of employment at 10 points.
New hires may have a stricter attendance policy during their introductory period of employment, with some locations allowing only 1-2 attendance infractions before termination. It‘s critical for employees to be aware of and carefully adhere to the attendance rules from day one on the job.
While some FedEx managers may be more lenient than others when it comes to excusing absences for certain reasons, it‘s always best for employees to communicate openly and honestly about their situations. Having a good track record of punctuality and reliability can also help an employee‘s case if they do need to miss work unexpectedly.
Variations by Location
As a large global company with many different operating units, FedEx‘s attendance policy may not be entirely uniform across all locations and positions. The core elements of providing notice for absences and accruing points or discipline for infractions are generally the same, but the details can differ.
For example, FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, and FedEx Office may each have their own specific attendance policies and procedures that employees must follow. There can also be variations based on job function, such as different rules for delivery drivers vs. warehouse workers vs. corporate office staff.
Unions also play a role at some FedEx locations. If a collective bargaining agreement is in place, it may have provisions related to attendance, time off, and job protection that give employees additional rights beyond the standard company policy.
Employees should be sure to obtain and review the attendance policy for their specific location and position rather than making assumptions based on information that applies elsewhere. When in doubt, they should ask their manager or HR representative for clarification.
Tips for Employees
To stay in good standing with FedEx‘s attendance policy, here are some tips for employees to keep in mind:
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Learn the rules: Read and understand the attendance policy, including how to report absences, how many attendance points result in discipline, and what types of absences may be excused.
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Be on time: Aim to arrive for all scheduled shifts a few minutes early to account for any unexpected delays and avoid being marked tardy.
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Don‘t cut out early: Leaving a shift before the scheduled end time without a manager‘s approval is considered an unexcused early departure and will result in attendance points.
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Report absences promptly: As soon as you know you will need to miss work, notify your manager following the proper procedure. The more notice you can provide, the better.
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Get documentation: For absences related to medical issues, always try to obtain a doctor‘s note or other official paperwork to help get the absence excused.
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Check your points: Periodically review your attendance record and point balance to catch any errors and avoid surprises. Bring any discrepancies to your manager to discuss.
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Be honest: If you are unable to work for any reason, be truthful with your manager about the situation rather than making up an excuse. An open dialogue may allow for more flexibility and understanding.
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Use PTO wisely: While you should certainly use your hard-earned paid time off for vacations and personal needs, be sure to maintain a reserve to cover unexpected situations that may arise.
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Communicate with your manager: If you‘re dealing with an ongoing health or personal issue that impacts your attendance, have a conversation with your manager to see if any accommodations can be made.
By following these guidelines consistently, FedEx employees can avoid attendance problems and maintain a positive work record. Of course, life is unpredictable and there may be occasions where an employee has no choice but to miss work on short notice. In those cases, clear and prompt communication is always best.
Employee Rights and Protections
While FedEx has the right to set and enforce attendance standards, employees also have certain protections under the law. This includes the right to take job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for their own or a family member‘s serious health condition.
Employees may also have the right to reasonable accommodations for disabilities, including modified work schedules, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For example, an employee undergoing cancer treatment who needs to adjust their work hours or take intermittent time off for appointments may be able to do so as an ADA accommodation.
In addition, employees who miss work due to a work-related illness or injury may have their absences excused and be protected from retaliation under workers‘ compensation laws. Absences for certain other legally protected reasons, such as jury duty or military service, are also generally excused.
If an employee believes they have been unfairly disciplined or terminated under the attendance policy in violation of their legal rights, they may choose to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a similar state agency. However, it‘s important to note that these protections only apply in specific situations and still require the employee to follow the proper absence reporting procedures in most cases.
Conclusion
Attendance is a basic yet critical part of being a reliable employee. Understanding your employer‘s attendance policy is key to meeting expectations and avoiding potential disciplinary action.
At FedEx, the attendance policy revolves around properly reporting absences, using paid time off appropriately, and minimizing unexcused absences that result in attendance points. While the specifics may vary by location and position, the overall goal is to ensure that all team members are present and accounted for when scheduled to work.
By taking the time to learn the policy details, stay on top of their attendance record, and communicate openly with their manager, FedEx employees can protect their jobs and foster a positive work relationship. At the same time, employees should also be aware of their rights under the law, including the ability to take protected leave for certain medical or disability-related reasons.
Balancing work obligations with personal needs can be challenging, but with a solid understanding of the rules and a commitment to professional behavior, FedEx employees can thrive in their roles while still attending to life outside of work. The attendance policy is in place to support that balance and ensure that the company can continue to deliver the world-class service it‘s known for.
