Attendance Policy

NSCC expects regular attendance from all employees, including punctuality, adhering to scheduled/agreed upon working hours, and respecting break times.

1. Guiding Principles
   1. We recognize that each employee contributes to achieving NSCC’s mission and strive to manage employee absence by creating a positive, supportive environment that promotes attendance.
   2. We believe that helping employees maintain their health, safety and well-being, promotes a healthy and productive workplace.
   3. We make every reasonable effort to provide reasonable accommodation, assistance and rehabilitation.
2. Notice of Absence
   1. When an employee is not able to attend work hours as scheduled, they must notify their manager or their designate as soon as possible. Notice of absences must include:
      1. The type of leave being used.
      2. The estimated time for return to work.
   2. If the manager, or their designate, is not available, the employee must leave a message regarding the absence. The manager may contact and speak to the employee directly about the absence in this case.
   3. It is only acceptable for someone other than the employee to contact the manager or their designate in extenuating circumstances (e.g. hospitalization).
   4. Employees must follow departmental notice requirements for all absences including early departure or late arrival.
   5. Employees must record any absences accurately for their manager’s approval.
3. Attendance Management
   1. Regular attendance is expected. It is recognized that circumstances do occur that make it impossible or impractical to maintain perfect attendance.
   2. Absenteeism for reasons within an employee’s control, such as being absent without leave or notice, or a frequent or consistent pattern of lateness or absence will result in attendance management.
   3. The College will make every reasonable effort to support improved attendance through communication, attendance discussion, expectations and follow-up.
   4. Any medical information that is disclosed or discussed in the context of attendance management will be treated with the strictest confidence. Any medical documentation must be transferred to the NSCC Health and Disability Coordinator for secure storage.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
   1. Employees
      1. Report for work on a regular, timely basis,
      2. Submit accurate bi-weekly attendance reports (including where there were no absences,
      3. Provide all necessary documentation when required, to support absences,
      4. Implement and adopt improved attendance strategies with their manager where the need for improved attendance is identified,
      5. Schedule medical and dental appointments outside of work hours or in a way that minimizes the impact on work whenever possible,
      6. Schedule personal appointments outside of business hours.
   2. Managers
      1. Support a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees,
      2. Communicate standards for attendance and expectations regarding notification when absent,
      3. Maintain contact with an employee who is absent from work,
      4. Monitor, document and report employee attendance,
      5. Maintain work schedules, leave authorization and approval.
      6. Address attendance issues in a timely manner,
      7. Identify and address when an employee is not fit to be at work,
      8. Coach and support employees on attendance matters which may include reasonable accommodation,
      9. Work with Organizational Development when advice is required.
   3. Organizational Development
      1. Provide advice, assistance and training to managers concerning the implementation and administration of the Attendance Policy,
      2. Provide consultation, coaching and support to managers in addressing attendance issues.
      3. Maintain historical attendance records and data,
      4. Maintain confidential, secured employee case files,
      5. Ensure appropriate communication with unions, as applicable.