Unauthorised absences can disrupt rosters, lower team morale, and impact customer service—especially at service stations where every shift counts. While it’s tempting to react swiftly, the key is to approach unauthorised leave with fairness, consistency, and clear communication.

Clarify Expectations Upfront
The best way to prevent unauthorised absences is to set expectations early. During onboarding, ensure every employee understands your leave request process, who to contact if they’re running late or unwell, and the consequences of failing to follow procedures.

Keep a Clear Policy
Have a written attendance and leave policy in place—and make sure it’s accessible. The policy should cover how to apply for leave, notice periods, how absences are recorded, and what counts as unauthorised.

Act Promptly but Professionally
If an employee fails to show up without notice, reach out as soon as possible to check on their wellbeing. Document the absence, and if it happens again, schedule a meeting to understand the cause and discuss next steps.

Be Consistent and Fair
Inconsistent handling of absences can lead to resentment within your team. Apply your policy consistently, regardless of who the employee is or how long they’ve worked with you.

Offer Support When Needed
Sometimes repeated absences can signal deeper issues—whether personal, health-related, or workplace concerns. Open a dialogue and consider referring employees to support services where appropriate.

By balancing empathy with accountability, service station owners can manage attendance issues professionally—supporting staff while protecting business operations.

ServoPro members can access leave policy templates and advice via the HR Helpdesk, and ensure all employees are aware of their obligations with our ServoSkills training platform.

For the latest retailer news and information, check out the ServoPro website or to speak to us about how we can help your business contact us.