The Importance of a no call, no show policy

Giving employees paid time off is important, but no call no show incidents can leave you scrambling to find coverage. A no call no show policy helps prevent attendance issues and ensures these situations are handled consistently.

A no call no show occurs when an employee fails to show up for work and does not notify their manager. Time off typically requires advance notice, especially for hourly employees with varying schedules. While illnesses or emergencies may require last-minute absences, employees are still expected to call before their shift begins.

When an employee doesn’t show up without notice, it can create safety concerns, reduce productivity, and place added stress on other staff. Establishing a clear policy sets expectations and outlines consequences that may deter no call no show behavior. This policy can be included in your attendance policy or employee handbook and should remain reasonable, as emergencies beyond an employee’s control can occur.

1. Establish guidelines

Clearly define what qualifies as a “no call no show” and how much notice employees must provide. The policy should outline how and when employees are expected to notify management, as well as the steps you’ll take if an employee doesn’t show up. This may include attempting to contact the employee or their emergency contacts before determining whether to provide support or enforce consequences.

2. Develop consequences for violations

The policy should clearly explain the consequences employees may face if they return to work after a “no call no show.” If no communication occurs after several days, the employee may be considered to have abandoned their job.

3. Communicate your new policy to employees

Once the policy is finalized and included in your attendance policy or employee handbook, communicate it clearly to employees. Be open to questions and explain that emergencies will be handled reasonably, while non-emergency situations will follow policy guidelines. Keeping the policy accessible and acknowledged helps avoid confusion.

If you need assistance creating a No Call, No Show policy, TPM is available to customize one for your organization.