Also aim to be very prompt in returning from lunches and breaks, especially when others depend on your work. If you find yourself delayed, acknowledge this upon return and apologize for the inconvenience to your coworkers. Another attendance issue that can get in the way of your career development is abuse of sick time. Most companies offer a sick day policy which they feel is more generous than what an average employee should need in a year. They offer these extra days to ensure coverage when an employee may have an occasional bad year.
Many people look at their sick day policy as an extension of their vacation package.
Vacation pay is an earned benefit, one that is accrued with time of service. Sick pay is a goodwill gesture on an employer's part. It is a benefit that is offered to you with the unspoken understanding that you will only take advantage of it when you really need it. Employees who feel sick days are an entitlement would be surprised to see how many times their attendance records were reviewed during their employment with a company. Attendance records are considered while making decisions on raises and promotions, or when an organization is forced to downsize.