Call out: Overview, definition, and example
What is a call out?
A call out refers to an instance where an employee notifies their employer that they will not be coming to work due to illness, an emergency, or another reason. This term is commonly used in workplaces with shift-based or hourly employees, such as retail, healthcare, and hospitality.
For example, if a restaurant worker wakes up feeling sick, they must call out to inform their manager that they won’t be able to come in for their scheduled shift.
Why is a call out important?
Call outs are essential for workforce management, ensuring that businesses can plan for staffing shortages and maintain operations. Proper call-out procedures help:
- Employers track attendance and arrange for shift coverage.
- Employees follow company policies to avoid disciplinary action.
- Workplaces maintain fairness by applying absence policies consistently.
Many businesses have specific call-out policies requiring employees to notify a manager within a certain timeframe and provide a reason for their absence. Failure to follow these procedures may lead to disciplinary actions, such as warnings or termination.
Understanding a call out through an example
Imagine a retail store has a strict call-out policy requiring employees to notify their manager at least two hours before a shift if they cannot come in. An employee, Jake, wakes up with a fever and calls out before the deadline. His manager arranges for another worker to cover his shift, preventing staffing issues.
In another scenario, a hospital nurse is scheduled to work an overnight shift but experiences a personal emergency. The hospital’s policy requires at least four hours’ notice for a call out, but due to the urgency, the nurse calls out late. The manager documents the absence but allows flexibility due to the emergency.
An example of a call out policy clause
Here’s how a call-out policy clause might appear in an employee handbook:
“Employees who are unable to report to work for a scheduled shift must notify their supervisor at least [X] hours in advance. Failure to follow the call-out procedure may result in disciplinary action, unless due to an emergency or other approved leave.”
Conclusion
A call out is an essential workplace practice that allows employees to notify their employer when they are unable to work. It ensures smooth operations, helps businesses manage staffing, and provides employees with a structured way to report absences.
By implementing a clear call-out policy, businesses can promote fairness, maintain productivity, and reduce disruptions caused by unexpected absences.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.