As one of the world‘s largest shipping and logistics companies, UPS relies on the dedication and reliability of its nearly 500,000 employees worldwide to deliver over 24 million packages each day. To keep operations running smoothly, UPS has attendance policies in place that all employees are expected to follow.
Whether you‘re a current or prospective UPS employee, it‘s important to understand the company‘s attendance requirements and procedures. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about the UPS attendance policy, including:
- General attendance expectations at UPS
- Number of absences and sick days allowed
- How to properly report absences and request time off
- Potential consequences of attendance issues
- Exceptions and special circumstances
- Tips for maintaining excellent attendance
By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of what UPS expects from employees when it comes to attendance and punctuality. Let‘s get started!
UPS Attendance Policy Overview
Like most employers, UPS expects all employees to maintain regular, reliable attendance. Coming to work consistently and on time is essential for the company to meet its daily shipping demands and provide stellar service to customers.
In general, UPS employees are expected to:
- Report to all scheduled shifts on time
- Provide advance notice for any planned absences, such as vacations
- Follow the proper call-out procedures for unplanned absences
- Refrain from excessive unexcused absences or lateness
- Maintain an overall attendance rate above 96%
While the company doesn‘t have a strictly defined attendance policy that specifies the exact number of absences allowed, UPS does track employee attendance and uses a system of progressive discipline to address ongoing issues. We‘ll dive into more details on that later on.
It‘s worth noting that attendance policies may vary slightly based on an employee‘s specific role, location, and local union contract (if applicable). For the most accurate information, refer to the employee handbook for your facility or speak to your direct supervisor.
Absences and Sick Days at UPS
Even the most dedicated employees will likely need to miss work on occasion, whether it‘s due to illness, family emergencies, or other personal reasons. At UPS, the way absences are classified and excused can be a bit complex.
Sick Days
In terms of sick days, UPS full-time employees generally accrue paid sick leave based on how long they‘ve worked for the company:
- 0-1 year of service: 0 sick days
- 1-5 years of service: 5 sick days per year
- 5-10 years of service: 8 sick days per year
- 10+ years of service: 10 sick days per year
Keep in mind these annual allotments accrue gradually—for example, an employee with 2 years of service would earn roughly 1.25 sick days per quarter.
Any absences beyond an employee‘s available sick balance would be considered unexcused (unless they fall under other protected leave, which we‘ll touch on later). Too many unexcused absences can lead to disciplinary action.
Excused Absences
In addition to paid sick time, there are some other scenarios where absences may be considered excused:
- Approved time off: This includes absences scheduled and approved in advance, such as vacations, jury duty, or military leave.
- Qualified family/medical leave: Employees may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
- Work-related illness/injury: Absences related to workers‘ comp claims should be appropriately documented.
- Extreme circumstances: Natural disasters, severe weather, or other major uncontrollable events may warrant excused absences on a case-by-case basis.
For any potentially excusable absence, communication is key. Employees should notify their supervisor as soon as possible and provide any requested documentation.
Reporting Absences and Requesting Time Off
No matter the reason for your absence, properly notifying UPS is extremely important. Failing to report your absence for three consecutive days is considered job abandonment and may be treated as a voluntary resignation.
Here are the key steps to follow:
- Notify your supervisor as soon as you know you‘ll be absent. Call your work facility directly and speak to a manager if possible. Leaving a voicemail or having a coworker relay the message is not sufficient.
- Explain the reason for your absence and how long you expect to be out. If you‘re unsure, provide an estimate and follow up with updates as needed.
- For unplanned or short-notice absences, you must notify your supervisor at least 1 hour before your scheduled start time. The earlier the better.
- For scheduled/planned time off, submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance. Follow your facility‘s process for this, which typically involves a formal request form.
- If requested, provide documentation of your absence on your first day back. This includes doctor‘s notes, jury summons, military orders, etc.
Some UPS facilities may have an attendance hotline or designated HR contact to report absences to. Be sure you know and follow the procedures specific to your work location.
Attendance Infractions and Consequences
An occasional sick day or emergency absence is understandable. But a pattern of missed work or unexcused absences can become a serious problem.
While UPS doesn‘t typically fire an employee for a single attendance incident, repeated occurrences can result in progressive discipline:
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Final written warning, possibly with suspension
- Termination of employment
The severity and speed of this process depend on the frequency and nature of the attendance infractions. Certain serious offenses, like job abandonment or no-call no-shows, may accelerate disciplinary action.
Generally, UPS looks at an employee‘s attendance rate, calculated as the percentage of scheduled shifts worked. Employees are expected to maintain an attendance rate above 96%. An absence rate of 4% or greater over a rolling 200 workday period can trigger discipline.
Attendance Exceptions and Special Circumstances
There are a few situations where absences may not count against an employee‘s attendance record:
- FMLA leave: If properly certified, leave taken under the Family and Medical Leave Act for a serious health condition or qualifying family reason is job-protected.
- ADA accommodations: Employees with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations, which can include modifications to attendance policies.
- Collective bargaining agreements: Some UPS unions, like the Teamsters, have negotiated attendance policies and procedures separate from the company‘s standard policy.
- State and local laws: Some states have additional regulations around sick leave, family leave, or other protected absences that may supersede UPS policy.
If you believe your absence should fall under one of these exceptions, reach out to your HR representative to discuss your options and any required documentation.
Tips for Maintaining Good Attendance at UPS
Consistent attendance is essential for job security and career growth at UPS. To minimize missed work, try implementing these strategies:
- Manage your health proactively. Prioritize preventive care, stay up to date on vaccines, and seek prompt treatment when you‘re not feeling well to hopefully avoid more extended absences down the road.
- Be smart with your sick time. Many UPS employees make the mistake of burning through sick days for non-health reasons. Save this valuable time off for when you truly need it.
- Plan ahead whenever possible. If you know you‘ll need to take time off in the future (for a vacation, appointment, etc.), request it with as much notice as you can. This helps your supervisor plan for coverage.
- Be proactive and keep communication open. If you‘re struggling with an ongoing medical issue, family situation, or other challenge that‘s impacting your attendance, discuss potential accommodations with HR before your attendance suffers.
- Understand and use your employee resources. Take advantage of sick leave, vacation time, FMLA, and any other programs in place to help you take time off when needed.
"The biggest advice I can give to UPSers is to always communicate with your supervisors. Call in as soon as you know you‘ll be out or late. And try to plan appointments or other obligations around your work schedule as much as possible. A little proactivity goes a long way."
– Sarah T., UPS Delivery Driver, 7 years
The Bottom Line
Attendance is a crucial part of being a reliable and successful UPS employee. By understanding the company‘s policies, properly reporting your absences, and making a concerted effort to show up consistently, you‘ll position yourself well for long-term job security and advancement opportunities.
Remember, UPS wants you to succeed and will generally work with you when absences are unavoidable. The key is communicating clearly, providing documentation when needed, and demonstrating a commitment to being present as much as possible.
For specific questions about your facility‘s attendance policy or your own situation, always consult with your direct supervisor or HR representative. Stay healthy and stay dedicated!
Disclaimer: This article is based on general information and should not be taken as legal or professional advice. Always refer to your official employee resources or contact UPS directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
