How do I deal with an employee who falls asleep during work time?

How do you deal with this?

As with any issue that an employer may be faced with, you should first investigate the facts.


What do you include in your investigation?  Well there are key questions to be asked:

  • When is this taking place
  • For how long
  • Are there witnesses
  • What is the employees response to this?
  • Do they have any medical conditions or issues contributing to this?

Once you have gathered all of the available evidence you can then determine what steps to take next.


Misconduct - does the employee claim this isn't happening or that it's happening and there is no recognition of the impact or need to improve.

Next step - move to disciplinary hearing giving them an opportunity to respond and decide on appropriate sanction.



Capability - does the employee confirm that they have a medical condition or that the role or other issues are contributing to their tiredness.

Next step - obtain further information on medical condition or explore further issues and any support you can put in place with a plan to improve by a set review date.


All cases are different so always check in with a HR professional on the specifics of your case before taking action. 


If you need support dealing with employees issues schedule a call with me today on 📲 01905 900080


Call

Alcohol & Drug Misuse – do you need a policy?

By Andrea Llewellyn • January 24, 2025
Certain industries are required to have a policy, these are industries where there is a risk to the public, a high-risk working environment and the potential for accidents and injuries. Alcohol and drug misuse can affect performance, behaviour and relationships at work.

Supporting Employees Through Menopause: Practical Steps for Employers

By Andrea Llewellyn • December 17, 2024
Menopause can be a challenging phase in life, marked by a variety of symptoms that can affect an employee’s well-being and performance at work. As an employer, it's crucial to create a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their needs and accessing the support they require.

New duty on employers to take all “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees

By Andrea Llewellyn • October 21, 2024
From 26 October 2024 there is a duty on employers to take all “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. The duty requires that employers should anticipate scenarios when its workers may be subject to sexual harassment in the course of employment, including from third parties, and take action to prevent such harassment taking place.

Do holiday requests rush in before the school holidays?

By Andrea Llewellyn • July 4, 2024
Its nearly the six weeks holidays, do you find that holiday requests start rushing in during the months before? Requesting leave Holidays can be very emotive and potentially create disputes in smaller businesses when staff all want the same period off.

Should I take on an apprentice?

By Andrea Llewellyn • June 7, 2024
If you are considering taking on an apprentice, then make sure you have a genuine job role that allows them to gain knowledge, skills and behaviours to complete the apprenticeship. Don’t underestimate the time needed to support and supervise them in carrying out the role.

Taking on a young worker to cover weekend hours....

By Andrea Llewellyn • May 2, 2024
Are you looking to employ someone to cover those weekend shifts and think that this would suit a young worker…. Did you know that you need to apply for a work permit from your local authority if you intend to employ a child of school age?

Can I get a medical report on my employee?

By Andrea Llewellyn • April 9, 2024
If you have an employee who has been off on long term sickness absence, and this is impacting the business, or an employee has declared a medical condition, and you are unsure what the impact of this will be on their role. A medical report can help in determining your next steps, you can either use an occupational health provider or write to their GP.

Employee works part time, but I need them to work full time - help!

By Andrea Llewellyn • March 1, 2024
Business needs can change over time, maybe you’ve won a new contract and need to take on more staff, or you need to restructure the team and adjust job roles to suit the changes.

How do I end a fixed term contract?

By Andrea Llewellyn • February 8, 2024
So, you employed someone on a fixed term contract and that end date is now approaching, you haven’t thought about how the contract ends, should you follow a process, write them a letter, how does it work?

Work-Related Social Events – what employers need to know about vicarious liability

By Andrea Llewellyn • October 3, 2023
With Christmas approaching, lots of businesses will be planning the works Christmas party. While these events provide an opportunity for employees to relax and socialise outside of the workplace, they also raise important questions about employer liability. Specifically, employers may be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees during such events.
More Posts