Workplaces move to ban SMS and email sickies and force workers to phone

IT’S a sure-fire way to ­#annoytheboss. Tapping a text message or email to throw a sickie is ­raising not only the hackles of ­employers but their suspicions.

Simone from the Blow out bar does not tolerate emailing or texting in sick, preferring the old-fashioned phone call. The Blow Out bar is among those giving SMS sickies the flick. Picture: Nicole Garmston

IT’S a sure-fire way to ­#annoytheboss.

Tapping a text message or email to throw a sickie is ­raising not only the hackles of ­employers but their suspicions.

Workplaces are increasingly banning tech-based sickies, preferring the old-fashioned phone call.

A penchant for Gen Y to communicate with their bosses electronically is driving the crackdown, with specific workplace policies introduced.

The Fair Work Commission has also warned staff could get the sack if caught faking a ­sickie and posting about their fun day off on social media.

The Blowout Bar in ­Toorak has given SMS sickies the flick. Owner Simone Van Haltren said a quick call was more professional and courteous. “My staff are aged 20-25 and that age group, all they do is text,” she said.

“I find it really frustrating.

“It’s more believable when they call and it holds them more accountable.”

She said hairdressers at other salons had thrown fake sickies then got caught out on Facebook having a blast with friends at the shops, movies and long lunches.

Social media posts are used against employees in a number of the 15,000 annual unfair ­dismissal cases.

“If they publicise the fact that they have taken an illegitimate sick day, it's more likely than not that there will be consequences,” said Fair Work Commissioner Leigh Johns. “It could be a valid reason for termination, depending on the circumstances of the case, such as being warned in the past.”

Hays recruitment agency said many companies in Victoria were asking employees to phone in unless they were too sick to. “It is more professional to telephone your boss so you can talk to them about your condition and expected date of return,’’ said Tim James, director of Hays in Victoria.

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Originally published as Workplaces move to ban SMS and email sickies and force workers to phone