Starting Out Before you start First Day Guidelines Demonstrating a Positive Attitude Dress and Grooming Know the People Know the Organization Reliability and Calling In Shift Tracker Questions that Need Answers

Staying on Track Ethics at Work Teamwork Quality Work - On Time Socializing at Work

Moving Up Life-long Learning Taking Initiative Communication for Moving Up

Moving On Developing a Career Path Job Search While You Are Working Leaving:  When and How

Other Articles Handling People Problems At Work The Top 10 Ways to Make Positive First Impressions Employer's Expectations: Measuring Up Monster Career Centre On the Job Basics Monster Career Centre Networking 10 Ways to Poison Your Career Job Smart: Tips for staying employed  (pdf)

ASPECT'S GUIDE TO SUCCESS AT WORK

Reliability & Calling In

Regular attendance and being on time - that's reliability. And it is the single most important asset you can bring to a job. You may be the best baker, strongest swamper, or most efficient administrator, but if you are not at work when your employer needs you to be, none of that matters.

Remember: Poor attendance is one of the leading causes for dismissal.

There are, of course, situations that will keep you from attending or being on time. How you handle these situations is vital.

1. Personally call your employer as soon as you know you will be absent or late. Give the reason and say when you will be there.
2. If absent and your initial call was taken by a machine or a coworker, call your boss later. You must call in for each day you will be absent.
3. When you arrive or return to work, go to your supervisor immediately and briefly apologize and offer to make up the time.

On the following pages there are sample scripts to lessen the negative effects of being absent or late. Keep important phone numbers handy.

Calling In: What to Say

Leaving a message:

"Hello, this is Nancy. I have woken up with serious flu symptoms, so I will not be in today. I will call Shirley soon after opening time."

"Hi, this is Bert. I just missed my bus, so I will be in 20 minutes late. I'm really sorry about this."

Calling back:

"Hi Shirley. I left a message early this morning, but wanted to call in person. Could you check my calendar? If I have appointments I will call and rebook. I will see you - or talk to you -tomorrow."

Arriving at work:

"Good morning, Shirley. Thanks for understanding about the two days I was sick. I will thank the others for covering for me. It's good to be back."

"Hi Dan. I am here now. Can I make up these twenty minutes at lunchtime or the end of the day? Thanks for understanding. It won't happen again."