Celebrating St. Patrick's Day responsibly: Navigating employee absences

Law360 Canada (March 15, 2024, 4:51 PM EDT) --

Natalie Shallow

Originally an Irish holiday, St. Patrick's Day is now a worldwide celebration. This Sunday, March 17,  2024, millions of people (including workers) will spend the day celebrating. Parades and festivities will pay homage to the patron saint of Ireland, who is also famous for his fondness for a drink.

Anticipating post-parade absences

Although it's largely a fun holiday, the aftermath of St. Patrick's Day poses a predictable challenge for employers. With the holiday falling on a weekend, businesses should brace for a spike in last-minute absences and sickness reports as the weekend's revelry may lead to some staff feeling green the coming Monday.

Plus, a combination of the aftereffects of too many cold ones and the 'Sunday scaries' could result in a significant increase in employees calling in sick, mirroring last year's trend where sickness rates went up by 17 per cent the day after St. Patrick's Day. Common excuses ranged from accidental injuries while partying to simple, unexplained no-shows.

Leverage technology for smoother absence management

Dealing with last-minute absences like these can be frustrating, but modern HR tools offer solutions businesses should not hesitate to rely on. For example, with the right absence management software, you can efficiently monitor your team's absences and spot potential patterns and clashes in leave requests. Such technology not only helps identify frequent absentees but also manages the workforce more effectively during festive periods to avoid understaffing.

Prioritize health and safety in the workplace

It also goes beyond managing absences and ensuring your business remains operational. It's critical for employers to consider the health and safety implications of post-celebration conditions. Employees who choose to come to work despite nursing a hangover, especially those operating heavy machinery or driving, pose a risk to themselves and others. Though showing up to work is commendable in such cases, it's best to send them home to recover. Doing this prioritizes the employee's safety and wellbeing, encouraging a supportive work environment.

Support employee wellbeing through challenges

By no means should turning up to work under the influence become a habit you allow. It's crucial to address issues related to excessive drinking, especially when it affects work. It can be a delicate topic, but be advised to approach such situations with empathy, and offer support to those who might be struggling with underlying health issues or addictions. In cases where there's no justifiable reason for an employee's continued absenteeism or poor performance, it's best to have a formal discussion to find a resolution.

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, blending celebrations with responsibility should remain top of mind. As you embrace the festive spirit, it's essential for both employees and employers to remember the importance of moderation and maintaining professionalism. By preparing in advance and utilizing available resources, businesses can easily navigate the challenges of post-holiday absences, ensuring a healthy and safe work environment for all.

Natalie Shallow is head of service at BrightHR.

The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s firm, its clients, Law360 Canada, LexisNexis Canada, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.   

Interested in writing for us? To learn more about how you can add your voice to Law360 Canada, contact Analysis Editor Peter Carter at peter.carter@lexisnexis.ca or call 647-776-6740.