What to Do – and What Not to Do – When Calling in Sick as a Temp

Businesses hire temp workers because they need a little extra help in the short term. Be it to cover sick leave, holidays, or working on a large scale project, temp workers are valuable resources for businesses to have. They are hired to serve a specific need and for specific reasons. Commitment is vital for temp roles, and people should always strive to complete their temporary assignment to avoid burning bridges with both their recruiter and the business they were working for. Sydney may be a big city, but the job market is relatively small and people love to talk.

With that said, falling ill is just a fact of life. There are so many bugs and viruses in the air it is inevitable that even a temp worker is going to have to take the day off and call in sick. There’s a right way and a wrong way to go about this. Here are the dos and don’ts of calling in sick when working as a temp.

DO:

  • It’s vital that you call your consultant as soon as possible. There are no excuses to not do it first thing. They gave you a mobile number to reach them on for a reason. Make sure it is saved in your phone as soon as you get it.
  • If you are sent to voicemail then try calling them again after ten minutes. If you still can’t reach them, send them a follow-up text or email to make sure they got the message.
  • Your consultant is technically your employer, so they should be contacted before your manager at your temp position.
  • Give your consultant another call in the afternoon and inform them about whether your not you can work the next day
  • If you are signed off by your doctor, be sure to get a medical certificate and send a scanned copy to the recruiter.

DON’T:

  • Never assume that your consultant just knows you are sick. They can’t read your mind. If they haven’t heard from you, and neither has your line manager, they will call your emergency contact because they have to assume the worst. We’ve actually had to file missing persons reports ourselves! This can – and does – happen.
  • Don’t tell your friends at work and assume that this is good enough. It isn’t. Contact someone who matters.
  • Don’t just send emails. Your consultant might be out visiting clients and might not get to read the email until they get back to the office. Calling is more direct, and it should be your first choice.
  • Don’t wait until after you are supposed to be in the office to inform your consultant. They need to know about your illness as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to call them at seven in the morning if you have to. This gives them the chance to organize a replacement for you rather than having to scramble for one after the working day begins.
  • Don’t say that you couldn’t find your recruiter’s number. Even if you somehow managed to lose the business card, emails, and temp contract, you can just Google the agency and find their number there.
  • Don’t disappear and not let your recruiter know about your return to work. If they can’t reach you they will get nervous about whether you are even going to show up or not.
  • Don’t call in sick before – or after – long weekends. There’s a difference between being ill and just being hungover.

Get in touch

People2people NZ • February 18, 2019

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.

NZ's 2024 Employment

and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Request your copy
Share by: