If you work at Kroger, you need to understand the company attendance policy so that you can call in sick if needed.
And in this article, we will learn everything there is to know about calling in sick at Kroger.
How to Call in Sick at Kroger
If you need to call in sick at Kroger, you should call your manager directly via your store’s direct line at least 2 hours before your shift is scheduled to start. Although Kroger cannot force you to work if you are sick, you can get fired for calling in sick.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Phone number to call in sick at Kroger: Call your Kroger store and ask to speak to the manager or department lead.
- Kroger cannot force you to work, but they can fire you for calling in sick.
- If you make a no-call no-show at Kroger, you will get a verbal or written warning.
Now, there are quite a few more details about calling in sick at Kroger that you need to understand, so keep reading!
Can You Get Fired for Calling in Sick at Kroger?
You can get fired for calling in sick at Kroger. Although, Kroger employees report that it is extremely unlikely that your manager will do so.
However, it is important to understand that while it is uncommon to get fired for calling in sick at Kroger, there is still some information that you should understand in order to ensure it doesn’t happen to you!
You should call in at least 2 hours before your scheduled shift start.
However, if you forget or are running late, you should still call! Calling in late is much better than not calling at all. And hopefully, it will still count as a call-in, not as a no-call no-show.
It’s also important that you state your name, start time, and specific symptoms.
If you follow these guidelines, don’t call in sick too often, and stay in your manager’s good graces, you will not be fired for calling in sick at Kroger.
Can Kroger Force You to Work if You Are Sick?
Next, you should know that Kroger cannot legally force you to work if you are sick. But you can always receive disciplinary action or termination if you don’t come in.
Realistically, a manager will usually only try to force you to work when you are sick if you don’t call in properly or they think you are lying.
However, the most likely reason why they would is if they don’t have ample time to find a replacement. And, therefore, will be understaffed.
And while they cannot force you to work, they can threaten verbal or written warnings and even termination.
How Many Sick Days Do You Get at Kroger?
According to the Kroger attendance policy, employees can call in sick 5 times per month before receiving disciplinary action.
Although, your Kroger manager can say you’re out of sick days before you call out 5 times. And this will usually happen if they don’t believe you’re actually sick or if they are already frustrated with your work ethic.
So, if your manager alerts you that you are out of sick days and will receive disciplinary action for calling in, you might be thinking: what should you do if you are out of sick days?
You can and should use your accumulated PTO (which includes sick leave) if you cannot come in and are out of sick days.
But it can be tricky to plan because you cannot use your PTO retroactively. You will have to apply and have it approved ahead of time. And you don’t always know when you’re going to be sick!
Therefore, the best way to ensure you will be able to call out sick when you need to is to stay on your Kroger manager’s good side!
What Happens if You Make a “No Call, No Show” at Kroger?
You could get in a bit of trouble with your Kroger manager by calling in sick. But it’s far worse to not call at all.
If you don’t call, it’s called a no-call no-show. When that occurs, two things can happen.
- If you have worked at Kroger for less than 3 months, you will likely be terminated for a no-call no-show.
- If you have worked at Kroger for years, a no-call no-show can lead to a warning. Or a 3-day suspension if you’re unlucky.
Kroger employees have reported that most of the time, they only get a warning for a no-call no-show. But again, that can depend on your relationship with your manager.
As well they have noted that as long as you call in sick within the first half of your shift, it doesn’t count as a no-call no-show. But instead just a standard sick day.
However, you still need to know how to call in sick when the store is closed. In order to ensure you alert your manager in time to stay out of trouble.
To call in sick at Kroger if the store is closed, you should still call the store directly. And just leave a message for your manager.
Also, if you have the number of your manager, you can message or call them on your personal phone. Just as long as you let them know as soon as you can that you won’t be coming in!