Can you fire someone for not showing up to work?

Asked by: Demarcus McLaughlin MD  |  Last update: August 30, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (70 votes)

Typically, a worker is not automatically fired for a no call, no show. It is considered an unacceptable excuse for not showing up to work, but keep in mind, not all employee no-shows signal job abandonment. Often employees miss shifts due to serious illness or a death in the family.

Can you get fired for not showing up to work?

A no-call, no-show policy outlines the terms and conditions for failing to appear at work. Consistency in policy enforcement is essential. Penalties can vary from a simple conversation to formal written warnings, suspensions, or even termination, based on the severity and frequency of these occurrences.

Can I fire someone for excessive absenteeism?

Your attendance rate – your company can go ahead with employee termination as a consequence of lost productivity, low attendance rates, and tardiness. To understand whether your absenteeism is “excessive,” you should review the company policy.

How to terminate an employee that doesn't show up to work?

How to Handle No Call/No Shows and Job Abandonment
  1. Communicate clear notice requirements. ...
  2. Consider extenuating circumstances. ...
  3. Draft language carefully. ...
  4. Review decisions before acting. ...
  5. Notify the employee and document. ...
  6. Comply with final pay and other voluntary separation requirements. ...
  7. Seek return of company equipment.

What happens if I just don't show up to work?

Not showing up at work has some serious consequences which can be referred to Misconduct,absenteeism, negligence of duty,in the work place.An erring officer can face disciplinary actions,such as reduction in salary, he or she can be issued query,or a warning letter.

What are the do’s and don’ts during a termination conversation?

20 related questions found

Is it illegal to just not show up to work?

Is job abandonment illegal? It's not illegal to abandon your job. However, employees who abandon their job can still receive severe consequences for abandoning their post.

Can I dismiss an employee for unauthorised absence?

Unauthorised absence from work does not necessarily in itself constitute grounds to dismiss an employee. As indicated above, much will depend upon the facts of the case, including the length of any absence and any explanation as to why the employee in question has been off work.

Can I fire someone for no call, no show?

Typically, a worker is not automatically fired for a no call, no show. It is considered an unacceptable excuse for not showing up to work, but keep in mind, not all employee no-shows signal job abandonment.

What if an employee does not show up to work?

Ultimately, if an employee doesn't show up to work, warn your HR representative right away. They will be able to tell you whether or not the employee was using FMLA, ADA, or sick leave. After that, try to contact the employee via phone or email to see if you can get in touch with them.

Is no call, no show patient abandonment?

The Board of Nursing considers that when a nurse does not call and fails to show up for work, it is patient abandonment. So, even if you may be terminated and think that would be the proper remedy, the Board can still act under the theory of patient abandonment.

Can you get fired for being absent?

However, should the employee fail to notify you of the reason for the absence within a reasonable time, the failure to do so only renders the absence more serious – and the employee, if absent for more than 3 days ( in some cases 5 days ) may well find that he/she has been dismissed for desertion.

Is it legal to fire someone for taking too many sick days?

California law explicitly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who use their accrued sick leave. Retaliation includes any adverse action such as termination, demotion, suspension, or other forms of discrimination.

Can I get unemployment if fired for attendance?

The law generally says if you were fired through no fault of your own, such as not having the skills to do the job, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. If you are fired or suspended for misconduct or gross misconduct, you will not qualify for unemployment benefits.

Can I terminate an employee for excessive absenteeism?

Although "Absence," "Tardiness," and "Notice" are separately discussed in this section, it should be noted that an employee may be discharged for being absent or late for work, as well as for failure to notify the employer of the absence or tardiness.

What is the no call, no show policy?

Definition of No Call No Show

Each day the employee doesn't report for a shift or call to notify a supervisor is considered a no call no show event. If the employee fails to report for [number of days], it's considered a voluntary termination by the employee.

Why would someone not show up for work?

Unfortunately twenty-eight percent of employees have called in sick to work even when there's nothing wrong with them, according to one study. Thirty percent of these employees didn't feel like going to work, 29 percent wanted to relax at home, and 19 percent just wanted to sleep.

Can a job fire you for not showing up?

Although there are times when an employer has enough legitimate basis to fire someone for absenteeism, rushing to fire an employee can lead to a wrongful discharge claim. If you think your employer fired you wrongfully, you should contact a qualified employment legal matters attorney.

How to handle an employee who doesn't show up for work?

There are certain steps you, as a manager, should take when an employee doesn't show up for work and fails to notify you of their absence. These steps are: Step #1: Inform the human resources and attempt to call the employee. Step #2: Make a call to the employee's emergency contact list if the employee doesn't answer.

What is it called when someone doesn't show up to work?

A no-call, no-show is when you have an employee scheduled for a shift, and they don't show up.

Is it illegal to fire someone for calling out?

California's Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants because of a medical condition, including illnesses. This means an employer cannot fire employees solely because they are sick.

How to apologize for no call, no show?

Explain your absence honestly without making excuses, apologize for it, and if applicable, offer details about how you will prevent it from happening again. “Own your mistake. Don't make excuses for yourself, just say you're sorry.

What is insubordination?

Insubordination is the act of willfully ignoring, disobeying, or refusing to follow direction from an authority figure or group.

Can I get fired for missing one day of work?

Most states and employers operate under an at-will system which means that employers can terminate employees for any reason and employees can quit for any reason. However, employers cannot terminate employees for an illegal purpose, which may or may not occur if an employee misses one day of work.

What is the 8 week rule?

—(1) An employer is not required to pay an employee in terms of section 22 if the employee has been absent from work for more than two consecutive days or on more than two occasions during an eight-week period and, on request by the employer, does not produce a medical certificate stating that the employee was unable ...

How many days is considered awol?

- An official or employee who is continuously absent without approved leave for at least thirty (30) working days shall be considered on absence without official leave (AWOL) and shall be separated from the service or dropped from the rolls without prior notice.