Employees

[jojosmommy]

I guess if I was sent home a lot on an irregular basis I wouldn't feel bad about calling out. I count on my income so if I am sent home because of low numbers etc I would get irritated- and then feel less likely to stick it out- for the sake of everyone else. Guess you can't have it both ways.

[DaisyMamma]

That was my thought too. From a business perspective, it doesn't make sense to keep people if the ratios are down, but it can also affect staff morale if you send them home early and they are not able to get enough hours. It's a hard balancing act.

A staff meeting seems like a good idea. Do you have regular meetings where information is shared? Do staff feel appreciated? On the other hand, could it be that the people you are hiring are not of the right calibre?

Most centers do send employees home when they are not needed. The other side of the coin is that most centers still get paid when kids are out. It is an extreme thought, but what if you let employees who are respectful of you, your center and your sick policies not only go home early, but still get paid for their full shift? And rotate the people who get to leave in a fair way. Even if you do this once per month your employees will love it. Or, let them stay but give them some chores to do. Toys always need cleaning, organizing, etc. They can clean cubbies, dust, do paperwork, whatever.

Staff meetings are a great way to review policies and let them know you will be cracking down on the calling in, but also will be offering XX as a reward for those who are not doing it. You might need to make an example out of your worst offender and your best employee.