CASE 4

Joan, an employee of Great American Market, was warned about her excessive absenteeism
several times, both verbally and in writing. The written warning included notice that further
violations will result in isciplinary actions, including suspension or discharge.
A short time after the written warning was issued, Joan called work to say she was not going
to be in because her babysitter had called in sick and she had to stay home and care for her
young child. Joan!s supervisor, "ylvia, told her that she had already exceeded the allowed
number of absences and warned that if she did not report to work, she could be suspended.
#hen Joan did not report for her shift, "ylvia uspended her for fifteen days.
$n a subse%uent hearing, Joan argued that it was not her fault that the babysitter had canceled,
and protested that she had no other choice but to stay home. "ylvia pointed out that Joan had
not made a good faith effort to find an alternate babysitter, nor had she tried to swap shifts
with a co&worker. 'urthermore, "ylvia said that the lack of a babysitter was not a (ustifiable
excuse for being absent.
Questions:
). #as the suspension fair*
+. ,id Joan act responsibly*
-. "hould she be fired*
Answer
1.Was the suspension fair?
.es, $ think the suspension was fair. /ver a period of time, Joan was warned several times
abouther excessive absenteeism, both verbally and in writing, but she did almost nothing
about resolvingthe problem. Joan hasn!t shown an inclination to look for alternate solutions
and she (ust expectsGreat American Market to put up with her excessive absenteeism, and the
loss in productivity thatcomes with it. $t appears to me that only a suspension would drive the
point hard in this case.
2.Did Joan act responsibly?
No, I don't think Joan acted responsibly. In spite of receiving verbal and ritten arningsn!"ero!s
ti"es, Joan #!st did not p!t in efforts to "ake a back!p plan for her baby's care. Joanacted
irresponsibly by not finding an alternate babysitter or daycare center. Added to this, Joan didnot even
try to sap shifts ith a co$orker.
3.Should she be fired?
Not yet. I think Joan sho!ld be given another opport!nity after her %&$day s!spension period.
Joancan !se this ti"e to "ake !p a good plan for her baby's care, probably by "aking an
arrange"entith an alternate babysitter ho can step$in hen the reg!lar babysitter is !navailable, or
byconsidering a reg!lar, nearby day care center.