In a fascinating compilation of unusual workplace behaviors, HR managers have shared some of the most bizarre excuses employees use to skip work.
- Activ Absence, a UK-based software company, conducted research during the CIPD Annual Conference to gather these excuses.
- Pet-related emergencies emerged as a common theme among the excuses provided by employees.
- Unusual injuries, absent-mindedness, and unexpected events were frequently cited by employees as reasons for their absence.
- Some excuses, although amusing, highlight the broader issue of workplace absenteeism costs.
During the CIPD Annual Conference, Activ Absence collected over 60 outrageous excuses from HR managers concerning employees calling in sick. They then determined the top 20 most amusing and outlandish explanations.
Among the top three excuses were: lacking bus fare after a night out, a dream-induced belief of being at work, and sunstroke caused by a sunbed session. Such instances reveal the sometimes whimsical nature of employee excuses.
Pet incidents ranked high on the list, not just involving vet emergencies but also bizarre requests like two-week bereavement leave for a deceased pet cat or a sick day due to a hamster’s sluggishness. Excuses involving naughty animals included dogs eating car keys and fouling clothes, as well as exotic animal bites.
Unusual injuries and ailments were also popular excuses, including post-coital injuries, headaches supposedly caused by bosses, and various accidents like tripping out of bed.
Absent-minded moments frequently appeared in the list, with employees often forgetting mundane but crucial things, such as where they parked their cars or losing shoes on their way to work. A particularly bold excuse involved an employee’s admission of not having bus fare after a night out, earning Jacqueline Palmer from Carillion a bottle of champagne for the sheer honesty demonstrated by her employee.
Adrian Lewis, Director of Activ Absence, commented on the humorous yet concerning nature of these excuses. He pointed out the significant financial impact of absence on the UK economy, citing a £29 billion annual cost. Lewis emphasized the need for better absence management processes and technologies to address the root causes of absenteeism, rather than punitive measures.
While some excuses can be humorous, they underscore the pressing need for effective absence management strategies.
