Every industry has its own rules when it comes to attendance. A hospital shift looks different from a retail floor or a remote tech team.
Still, all businesses share one thing: they need clear guidelines so employees know what’s expected.
That’s where a free employee attendance policy template comes in handy. It saves time and helps managers handle attendance issues fairly.
Check out these free templates we prepared for over 15 industries, including construction, hospitality and more.
What is an employee attendance policy template?
An employee attendance policy template is a ready-to-use document that sets the rules for regular attendance, reporting absences, tardiness, early departures, and personal days. It explains how planned and unplanned time is handled, what counts as an excused absence, and what happens when attendance rules are broken.
The template can also cover how attendance tracking is done, how personal or vacation days are approved, and when employees may need to submit doctor’s notes. Thanks to putting everything in writing, it gives both managers and employees a shared reference, often included in the employee handbook.
Who needs a company's attendance policy template?
Any business with scheduled shifts, team meetings, or project deadlines needs a company’s attendance policy template.
- Healthcare providers need it to protect patient safety.
- Hospitality and retail businesses need it to cover guest service hours.
- Construction, manufacturing, and logistics teams need it to keep work sites safe and projects on track.
- Even remote or hybrid companies benefit, since online presence during core hours is as important as physical attendance.
A reasonable attendance policy also helps small businesses avoid legal liability, since it shows compliance with labor regulations. Whether you have ten employees or thousands, a clear policy makes it easier for team members to balance personal lives with work expectations.
Free attendance policy template for every industry
From healthcare, through manufacturing and transportation, to tech and more - here are over 15 free attendance policy templates you can use in your workplace:
1. Healthcare employee attendance policy
Purpose
In healthcare, patient care depends on staff being present and on time. This policy sets clear attendance rules to protect patient safety and team coordination.
Attendance Expectations
- Staff must arrive at least 10 minutes before their shift to prepare for handovers.
- Attendance includes being present for patient rounds, team meetings, and emergencies.
- Shift swaps must be approved by the supervisor in writing.
Absences and Reporting
- Absences must be reported at least 2 hours before shift start.
- Last-minute absences require immediate phone notification to the charge nurse or manager.
- Three or more unplanned absences in one month may trigger a performance review.
Tracking
- Attendance is logged through the hospital’s time clock or biometric system.
- PTO, sick leave, and night shifts are tracked with Unrubble or another time tracking app.
2. Hospitality employee attendance policy
Purpose
In hospitality, guest experience depends on staff reliability. This policy guides attendance for front desk, housekeeping, kitchen, and event staff.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must arrive in uniform and ready to work at scheduled start times.
- No-shows affect service quality and may lead to disciplinary action.
- Breaks must follow the assigned schedule to keep guest services running smoothly.
Absences and Reporting
- Call your supervisor at least 3 hours before your shift if you cannot attend.
- Shift swaps must be logged in the scheduling system.
- More than two no-shows in 60 days may impact performance ratings.
Tracking
- Attendance is tracked using a mobile time clock or employee self-service app.
- Staff are required to sign in/out at each shift and break.
3. Construction employee attendance policy
Purpose
On construction sites, attendance impacts safety and project outcomes. This policy sets clear rules to keep projects on time and workers safe.
Attendance Expectations
- All employees must be on site and in safety gear at shift start.
- Attendance includes participation in daily toolbox talks and safety briefings.
- Late arrivals over 15 minutes must report directly to the site supervisor.
Absences and Reporting
- Absences should be reported by 6:00 AM on the same day.
- Repeated unreported absences will lead to written warnings.
- Weather-related site closures are communicated by the project manager.
Tracking
- Use mobile time tracking apps with GPS (like Unrubble) to confirm on-site attendance.
- Overtime, weekend work, and business trips must be pre-approved.
4. Retail employee attendance policy
Purpose
In retail, smooth store operations depend on staff being on time and ready to serve customers. This policy ensures fair scheduling and reliable attendance.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must arrive 10 minutes before opening shifts to prepare the store.
- Attendance includes scheduled team meetings and sales floor coverage.
- Staff must remain on the floor unless on approved breaks.
Absences and Reporting
- Call your manager at least 3 hours before shift start if absent.
- Last-minute absences affect team productivity and may lead to a review.
- More than two no-shows per quarter may impact performance ratings.
Tracking
- Clock in/out using the store’s time clock or mobile app.
- PTO and holidays must be submitted in the scheduling system.
5. Education employee attendance policy
Purpose
In schools and universities, attendance impacts both learning outcomes and team discussions among staff. This policy sets attendance rules for teaching and support staff.
Attendance Expectations
- Teachers must arrive at least 15 minutes before class.
- Attendance includes parent-teacher meetings, training sessions, and staff briefings.
- Substitutes must be arranged in advance if possible.
Absences and Reporting
- Absences must be reported by 7:00 AM on the same day.
- Longer absences (over 2 days) require written approval from the head of department.
- Missing scheduled classes without notice is considered serious misconduct.
Tracking
- Attendance is tracked through the school HR system or time tracking app.
- PTO, sick leave, and holidays are recorded with evaluation forms for HR.
6. Remote/hybrid team employee attendance policy
Purpose
Remote and hybrid work gives flexibility but requires clear rules to protect business outcomes and team productivity. This policy sets standards for online attendance.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must be online and reachable during core hours [insert e.g., 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM].
- Attendance includes joining scheduled video calls, team meetings, and client calls.
- Employees must update their status in the team app if stepping away.
Absences and Reporting
- Notify your manager through chat or email if you will miss part of the core hours.
- Planned time off must be requested at least one week in advance.
- Unapproved absences may affect performance ratings.
Tracking
- Use time tracking software with activity logs (like Unrubble) to record hours.
- Attendance is based on login records, project outcomes, and frequent feedback sessions.
7. Manufacturing employee attendance policy
Purpose
Production schedules depend on reliable attendance. This policy sets rules to keep shifts covered and production lines running.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must clock in before machines start and be present for safety checks.
- Breaks must follow the production schedule to avoid workflow disruption.
- Protective gear must be worn at all times once on the floor.
Absences and Reporting
- Absences must be reported at least 1 hour before the shift starts.
- Unplanned absences of more than 2 per month may trigger a supervisor review.
- Sick leave over 3 days requires a medical certificate.
Tracking
- Use time clocks with ID badges or biometric scanners.
- Attendance is linked to shift scheduling software and payroll systems.
8. Call center employee attendance policy
Purpose
Customer service depends on staff availability. This policy supports punctuality and fair shift coverage.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must be logged into the system at shift start and ready to take calls.
- Late logins over 5 minutes are considered tardiness.
- Attendance also includes training sessions, coaching calls, and team huddles.
Absences and Reporting
- Absences must be reported at least 2 hours in advance.
- Three or more unapproved absences in a quarter may lead to a formal review.
- Leaving the workstation without approval is not permitted.
Tracking
- Attendance is tracked through the call center system login records.
- PTO requests are submitted through the HR portal.
9. Transportation and logistics employee attendance policy
Purpose
Deliveries, routes, and fleet safety rely on punctual attendance. This policy helps maintain reliable schedules and customer satisfaction.
Attendance Expectations
- Drivers must arrive 30 minutes before departure for route checks and loading.
- Dispatch staff must be present for daily shift handovers.
- No-show shifts disrupt deliveries and may result in disciplinary action.
Absences and Reporting
- Absences must be reported to dispatch immediately, no later than 4 hours before shift.
- In case of emergencies on the road, drivers must notify dispatch without delay.
- Unapproved absences may result in suspension from driving duties.
Tracking
- Attendance is tracked through GPS logs, digital time clocks, or mobile time apps.
- Overtime and long-haul hours must follow legal rest requirements.
10. Corporate office employee attendance policy
Purpose
This policy sets a reasonable attendance policy for corporate office staff. Reliable attendance protects business outcomes, reduces legal liability, and supports teamwork.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must follow the company’s attendance policy and arrive on time for planned and unplanned time commitments such as team meetings.
- Early departure must be approved by a manager.
- Good attendance employees may receive recognition during performance reviews.
Absences and Reporting
- Employee absences must be reported with advance notice whenever possible.
- Unauthorized or unscheduled absence is considered an attendance infraction.
- More than three unexcused absences in a year may be reviewed in a private meeting.
- Attendance infractions reset annually, giving team members a fresh start.
Tracking
- Attendance is tracked through digital timesheets.
- Paid personal days annually and vacation days are requested in the HR system.
11. Warehouse employee attendance policy
Purpose
This attendance policy supports safe and timely operations in the warehouse. Reliable attendance helps prevent job abandonment and protects compliance with federal laws.
Attendance Expectations
- Team members must be on site and ready at shift start.
- Early departure without notifying managers may be treated as an attendance issue.
- A good attendance record is required for promotions and shift preference.
Absences and Reporting
- Employee absences due to medical or family emergency must be reported as soon as possible.
- Unexcused and unreported absences are treated as unauthorized.
- More than two unauthorized or unscheduled absences in a month may lead to corrective action.
Tracking
- Attendance is logged through scanners at entrances.
- The attendance policy is reviewed each year and updates are shared with all staff.
12. Small business employee attendance policy
Purpose
For small businesses, every team member’s presence matters. This company’s attendance policy balances fairness with flexibility.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must be on time and ready to serve customers or complete assigned tasks.
- Early departure must be communicated to supervisors.
- Good attendance employees may qualify for extra personal or vacation days.
Absences and Reporting
- Planned and unplanned time off must be reported with advance notice whenever possible.
- Employee absences due to medical or family emergency will be treated with understanding.
- Unexcused absences or job abandonment will be addressed in a private meeting.
- Attendance infractions reset annually, giving employees the chance to improve.
Tracking
- Time tracking is done through mobile apps or manual logs.
- Paid personal days annually are tracked separately from sick leave.
13. Tech startup employee attendance policy
Purpose
This policy helps create a reasonable structure for startups where flexibility is common but accountability is still needed. The attendance policy is reviewed yearly to match company growth.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must be logged in and ready by the scheduled shift start time.
- Leaving before the scheduled shift end time requires prior approval.
- Planned personal days must be requested with advance notice.
- Manager responsibility includes monitoring attendance tracking and addressing attendance issues quickly.
Absences and Reporting
- Excused absence for medical or family reasons requires a doctor’s note if lasting more than two days.
- Unexcused absences or poor attendance will be addressed in a private meeting with the human resource manager.
- Excessive sick leave or repeated late arrivals may trigger time management training options.
Tracking
- Attendance is tracked through a digital app.
- Employee acknowledgement of this policy is required during onboarding.
14. Government office employee attendance policy
Purpose
This policy follows federal laws and supports consistent attendance across all government offices. Attendance policy reviewed annually for compliance.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must be present during scheduled shift hours unless excused absence is approved.
- Provide advance notice for planned personal days or vacation.
- Managers are responsible for addressing attendance issues fairly.
Absences and Reporting
- Employees reporting excessive attendance issues will meet with the human resource manager.
- Doctor’s note may be required for excessive sick leave.
- More than three poor attendance cases in a quarter may lead to consequences employees should avoid.
Tracking
- Attendance tracking is handled through secure digital logs.
- Employee acknowledgement of the policy is required at hire.
15. Nonprofit organization employee attendance policy
Purpose
Attendance is essential for program delivery and community service. This policy balances planned personal days with organizational needs.
Attendance Expectations
- Team members must arrive by the scheduled shift start time and remain until the scheduled shift end time unless prior approval is granted.
- Provide advance notice for absences whenever possible.
- Good attendance helps maintain trust with donors, clients, and the community.
Absences and Reporting
- Excused absence due to medical or family emergency requires contacting the manager promptly.
- Excessive sick leave or unexcused absences may lead to time management training options.
- Employees reporting repeated attendance issues will meet with the human resource manager.
Tracking
- Attendance tracking is done via digital timesheets and logs.
- Attendance policy reviewed each year, with employee acknowledgement required at signing.
16. Law firm employee attendance policy
Purpose
In a law firm, client trust depends on reliability. This attendance policy protects job satisfaction, reduces legal liability resulting from poor attendance, and supports a professional culture.
Attendance Expectations
- Regular attendance is required for all scheduled shifts, meetings, and court appearances.
- Tardiness refers to arriving more than 10 minutes late without notice.
- Constantly leaving earlier than scheduled may be considered an attendance issue.
Absences and Reporting
- Employees must report planned absences for personal reasons or medical appointments in advance.
- Submit doctor’s notes if taking excessive sick leave or after more than three days of absence.
- Personal days allowed resets each calendar year. Managers must approve personal days before use.
Tracking
- Attendance is recorded in the firm’s employee handbook system.
- Human resources and, if needed, an employment lawyer may review excessive absenteeism or frequent absence cases.
- Start progressive discipline after repeated violations.
17. Manufacturing plant employee attendance policy
Purpose
Production deadlines require steady attendance. This policy supports compliance with labor regulations and creates a supportive work environment for all team members.
Attendance Expectations
- Team member takes responsibility for being present at scheduled shift start times.
- Reporting absences, tardiness, and early departures must follow company procedure.
- Regular attendance is tied to job satisfaction, safety, and project outcomes.
Absences and Reporting
- Excused planned absences for medical appointments or personal appointments require advance notice.
- Doctor’s notes must be submitted for sick leave longer than two days.
- Excessive absenteeism or frequent absence without cause may lead to progressive discipline.
Tracking
- Paid time off (PTO) is tracked through digital logs.
- Personal days allowed resets every 12 months, and managers must approve personal days before use.
18. Marketing agency employee attendance policy
Purpose
Creative work depends on collaboration. This attendance policy balances planned absences with flexibility, while addressing attendance issues fairly.
Attendance Expectations
- Employees must maintain regular attendance to meet project deadlines and attend client calls.
- Tardiness refers to being late for scheduled meetings without prior notice.
- Constantly leaving earlier than planned is considered a violation.
Absences and Reporting
- Reporting absences, tardiness, and early departures must be done directly with the manager.
- Submit doctor’s notes for excessive sick leave.
- Planned absences for personal lives such as family events or personal appointments must be logged in advance.
Tracking
- PTO and personal days allowed resets annually. Managers approve personal days to balance workloads.
- Attendance policy reviewed each year as part of the employee handbook.
- Frequent absence or excessive absenteeism may lead to progressive discipline steps.
Over to you
Attendance policies are not about control. They are about fairness and creating a supportive work environment. A good attendance record keeps projects moving and helps managers address attendance issues before they grow into bigger problems.
Of course, having rules on paper is one thing. Tracking them in real life is another. That’s where Unrubble steps in. With its time tracking, scheduling, PTO management, and Mobile Time Clock, Unrubble turns attendance policy into daily practice. Instead of chasing unreported absences or building manual timesheets, you get real-time attendance data you can trust.
Are you ready to bring your attendance policy to life? Start using Unrubble for free and make attendance tracking effortless for every team and every industry.
