Workplace warm and fuzzies -- note irony in subject line.... [View All]

[greatauntoftriplets]

Absences make the firms grow tougher
More white-collar companies are adopting attendance policies that might make you think twice about taking a sick day

By Barbara Rose
Tribune staff reporter
Published April 18, 2005

Perfect attendance is such a virtue at Lawson Products Inc., that employees who go a year without missing work or arriving late are rewarded with extra paid days off.

But for some, there's a downside. At the distributor's warehouse and customer-service center in Addison, there are no excuses for missing work unless time off is scheduled in advance. Any unplanned absence, whether for illness, a flat tire or family emergency, is a black mark.

Punching in one minute to one hour late earns half a point. Missing one to two hours merits one point. A full day adds two points.

Six points results in a reprimand; 10 points, suspension without pay. Employees can be fired if they exceed 12 points within a year.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0504180161apr18,1,5132456.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed