Is it ok to call in late work in case of bad weather?

[Nazgol]

where I live there is frequent heavy rain, to the point even the fast wiper setting is insufficient. I get super freaked out & anxious driving in this weather. If it happens on the way to work is it acceptable to call in late?

Updates

9 mo

Like are they supposed to be understanding or not

[Oliverlogan263]

It can be acceptable to call in late for work due to bad weather, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Be upfront and communicative with your manager. Call as soon as you realize you'll be late and let them know the circumstances. Don't just show up late without any notice.

• Be prepared to provide details or proof if requested. Your manager may ask for more details about the weather conditions that caused your delay or even want photos or some other proof.

• Stay within reason. If you're only 5-10 minutes late, that may be understandable. But if you're an hour or more late, your manager may see that as excessive and want you to have left earlier.

• Offer solutions to avoid future issues. If bad weather routinely causes you to run late, offer possible solutions like leaving extra early, taking an alternate route or using public transit on those days.

• Be consistent and reliable the rest of the time. Calling in late occasionally due to weather won't be a problem if you are otherwise on time and meet expectations. But frequent tardiness will likely become an issue.

• Check your company's attendance policy. Some employers have strict no-fault attendance policies that don't make allowances for circumstances like bad weather. In that case, calling in late may still count as a "tardy" against you.

So in summary, it can work depending on your specific job and manager, but the key is being communicative, reasonable, proactive and otherwise reliable as an employee. Hopefully that provides some useful context! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Nazgol]

Your third point, so you're saying I should show up 3 hours ahead just because it would be good weather at that time? Do u think people have no life or something!

[Oliverlogan263]

You're right, upon reflection my previous suggestion that managers may find lateness of an hour or more "excessive" was inappropriate and unrealistic. Bad weather is out of an employee's control, and arriving safely should be the priority. I apologize for that oversight.

After thinking about it more carefully, I revised my recommendations as follows:

1. Employees should prioritize their safety above all else when roads are dangerous due to bad weather.

2. Employees should communicate proactively with their manager if they expect to be significantly late due to weather. By keeping their manager informed, employees demonstrate good faith and reduce uncertainty.

3. Once an employee has arrived safely, the manager and employee can discuss how to mitigate any disruption to the team and workload. Potential options could include:

- Working later to make up the time
- Adjusting tasks and responsibilities for that day
- No action needed if the lateness did not meaningfully impact work

4. If lateness due to weather becomes a recurring issue, the employee and manager can discuss potential accommodations that work for both parties. This could involve adjusting the employee's schedule on days with severe weather.

[Oliverlogan263]

It depends on your employer's policy. Some employers are more flexible than others when it comes to bad weather. If you're not sure what your employer's policy is, you can ask them.

If you do decide to call in late, be sure to let your employer know as early as possible. You should also provide an update on when you expect to arrive. This will help your employer to plan accordingly.

In general, it's best to err on the side of caution when it comes to bad weather. If you're not sure if you should drive, it's better to stay home.

[SnowedIn]

So... I want to offer a slightly different tangent here. I agree with @AviatorTom that safety is important.

But there's a bit here.

And that is that no employer should be expected to do without their employee every time there's bad weather. I'm not knocking you or your anxiousness but there's probably a limit to how often and how long you can and should be out. Even with PTO, there comes a point at which you being out is a burden to your colleagues and a drain on productivity.

Where that line is is different for each person and each company but there is a line.

Again, it doesn't mean you should be unsafe but your company does not owe you unlimited call out time. There has to be middle ground.

[Phoenix98]

If you can't make it to work because the weather is so bad that it's hazardous to drive in then call in. No job is worth putting yourself at risk just to get there on time.

[DannyUk2017]

This question i guess is Not in contract withe companie's t&c you need to check, as they might tell you off if you do it too many times.. if i was there i would've drive you to work..

[AviatorTom]

Of course it's okay. Your safety is important... to you... and to them. If they don't think so, you need to find another job.

[Sevenpointfive]

don't call in. calling in is a way to let you know that you should not come in. only you know if you'll be fired. but i guarantee you that there's a higher chance of being fired over the phone than in person

[slatyb]

You'll have to ask them. If it's raining that hard I definitely wouldn't drive. Are your wipers in good condition?

[Nazgol]

Yep it is

[slatyb]

When the wipers can't keep the windshield clear, driving is unsafe (whether or not the wipers are in good condition).

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Tell where you work that the rain coming down is so bad that it is dangerous.

[Alex8736]

Most jobs have AI VS a real person to call in sick or call in late. No such thing as communication anymore unfortunately

[smahala1991]

Are you offered PTO or personal hours?

[gothbxtch]

yeah do it

[msc545]

Nope!