When can an employee be considered AWOL?

An employee can be considered AWOL (Absent Without Leave) when they fail to adhere to established notification protocols regarding their absence. This includes both not being present for their scheduled shift and not informing their supervisor in advance.

Being absent without notice for more than 60 minutes signifies a lack of communication that is essential in a structured work environment. It creates challenges in staffing and operational continuity, particularly in critical roles like those in fire services. Thus, if an employee does not show up for their shift and is absent for more than 60 minutes without prior notice, they can be classified as AWOL.

Additionally, the requirement for an employee to call their supervisor at least 60 minutes before their shift underscores the importance of proactive communication. Failure to fulfill this obligation can also result in an AWOL designation since the employer is unable to plan adequately for the absence.

Both of these criteria emphasize the need for timely communication regarding attendance and accountability in the workplace, making the combination of these two factors the reason for designating an employee as AWOL.