I am a solo FP with one PA and our sick day policy has always been what amounted to the honor system, and employees could use PTO for their sick days. I have been lucky to have great employees that never took advantage of that.
Times are changing I guess and now I am running into problems with frequent unplanned absences - I come in and have no receptionist, nurse, medical assistant, etc and have to scramble to cover. Some of my long-time employees are asking me to implement a formal sick day policy as they feel like they are being taken advantage of.
What policies do other small offices out there use? Any advice?
I have been lucky with great employees for past years.
I am solo and have a receptionist, MA and office manage/biller.
Part of the key is to have cross training. The manager can work the reception desk as well as cover the MA. We can get by with only 2 people for awhile if needed for vacation/illness. That has relieved a lot of the issues. IF one calls in ill we cover and move on.
Greg Phillips
