What does “AWOL” mean?
Someone who is on an unauthorised absence can also be described as absent without leave (AWOL).
Examples of unauthorised absences
Examples of unauthorised absences are where an employee:
- goes on holiday without prior authorisation, or where they believe the holiday has been authorised and it hasn’t
- does not follow the sickness reporting procedures
- goes missing
- is hospitalised or confined to a bed following an accident
- is suffering from severe mental health issues and is not feeling up to speaking to anyone
- has been arrested or imprisoned
- is working for another employer
Some of the reasons above are beyond the employee’s control. Therefore, you can’t assume that an employee is AWOL by their own choice or that they have resigned from their position. In some situations, there may be a very good reason why the employee has not made contact.
Process for managing unauthorised absences
rradar has a guide which sets out how you can manage unauthorised absences.
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