Attendance policy template for small businesses (free)

Every business needs a written attendance policy. Without one, disputes become impossible to resolve fairly. Here is a straightforward template you can adapt in about 15 minutes.

1. Working hours

All employees are expected to work from [START] to [END], [MON]–[FRI]. Lunch break is [X] minutes and taken between [WINDOW].

2. Clock-in and clock-out

Employees must clock in and out through the company attendance system at the start and end of every working day. Attempts to clock in from outside authorized locations, or on behalf of another employee, are prohibited and treated as gross misconduct.

3. Grace period

A grace period of [5-10] minutes is provided after the official start time. Arrivals after the grace period are marked as late.

4. Tardiness

Repeat tardiness is subject to progressive discipline: first occurrence — verbal reminder; three occurrences in a month — written warning; five occurrences in a month — final warning; six occurrences — termination review.

5. Absence reporting

Employees must notify their direct manager at least [1 hour] before the start of the working day if they will be absent or late. For sick leave, medical certification is required for absences of two or more consecutive days.

6. Unexcused absences

Absence without notification is treated as an unexcused absence. Two consecutive unexcused absences may result in a warning; three consecutive unexcused absences may be considered job abandonment and subject to termination.

7. Remote work

Employees approved for remote work must still clock in and out via the app during their scheduled working hours. Location tracking may be relaxed for approved remote employees but a timestamped attendance record is still required.

8. Disputes

Any dispute regarding attendance records must be raised to HR within 7 days of the incident. HR will review the timestamped record, GPS coordinates, and selfie photo before making a determination.

9. Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read and understood this attendance policy and agree to abide by it as a condition of my employment.

_______________________________ ____________

Employee signature Date