With Halloween just around the corner, it’s that time of year where things go bump in the night… or should we say bump in the office? As the spooky season approaches, we’ve noticed a chilling trend in staff absences that will send a shiver up any employer’s spine.
In 2023, we saw a 125% increase in sickness, and a 155% increase in lateness on the day after Halloween. That’s spooky enough – but what about the reasons employees have given throughout the year for not turning up to the office?
As the supernatural takes a hit on employee attendance, Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR, delves into his top 5 picks for the spookiest absence reasons logged on BrightHR software by Canadian employees this year…
*1. When Nature Strikes Back *
Canada’s wilderness is known for being as treacherous as it is beautiful. One employee reported being attacked by a pack of wolves while putting the trash out, turning an everyday task into a fight for survival. Another employee claimed she was attacked by a bird, adding a little Hitchcockian twist to her day.
And we can’t forget the four employees who took time off for spider bites this year, proving that sometimes the most terrifying horror is natural, not supernatural.
2*. The Blair Absence Project *
In a series of unfortunate events, one employee found themselves completely lost in the wilderness and unable to find their way back to civilization, while somehow being able to notify their employer… Very mysterious.
Another employee reported becoming stranded in the middle of a lake on his boat, fearing for his life as eerie noises came from the tree line.
Fortunately, no member of staff was harmed in the making of this report.
*3. Axe VS Evil Dead * Two different employees reported ending up on the wrong end of an axe this year, reminding us that even the most everyday tools can become instruments of terror for the unprepared. Perhaps lumberjacking is the hip new side-hustle?
*4. Attack of the Clones * In one of the most spectacular excuses we have ever heard, an employee claimed he was unable to attend work because he was “attacked by evil clones” the night before, and that he had to “sort it out”. This sci-fi horror scenario makes us wonder how many evil doppelgängers could really be out there, and whether this brave soul will become our hero in our hour of need.
Alan Price, CEO of BrightHR, comments:
“As Halloween is on the horizon, it’s normal to see a spike in mysterious and spooky absences. From haunted houses to full-blown apocalypses, we’ve seen some of the most creative reasons for absence. While it’s all in good fun, it’s also important for employers to be prepared for increased absences in this period.”
To keep things running as they should, employers should ensure they have clear absence policies in mind and encourage open communication with their staff. And remember, a little bit of flexibility and understanding can go a long way in keeping the workplace productive and well-spirited over the Halloween season.”