What is the Ocado attendance policy?

Attendance plays a critical role in ensuring smooth operations, especially in a fast-paced environment like MiOcado Group. As one of the UK’s leading online grocery retailers, Ocado relies on its workforce to maintain high efficiency, timely deliveries, and customer satisfaction.

To maintain consistency, Ocado enforces a structured attendance policy that sets expectations for employees, outlines consequences for absenteeism, and provides support for those facing genuine difficulties.

Ocado’s Attendance Management Procedure

Ocado follows a structured Attendance Management Procedure to track, manage, and address employee absences. The system consists of three main stages, each triggered by specific absentee patterns.

Stages of the Attendance Policy

Stage	Trigger for Activation	Action Taken
Stage 1	3 separate absences OR 10 consecutive missed shifts within 12 months	Employee invited to a meeting to discuss reasons for absences and set improvement expectations.
Stage 2	2 additional absences OR another 10 consecutive missed shifts after Stage 1	Formal review of attendance, with the possibility of a written warning.
Stage 3	2 more absences OR another 10 missed shifts after Stage 2	Final warning or potential termination of employment.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Stage 1 acts as an initial discussion to address absence issues.
• Stage 2 involves more formal steps, including warnings.
• Stage 3 can result in termination if attendance issues persist.

This policy ensures employees receive multiple chances to improve attendance before serious disciplinary action is taken.

Long-Term Sickness Absence Management

For employees experiencing long-term illnesses or medical conditions, Ocado has a separate management process in place.

How Long-Term Sickness is Handled

Phase	Action Taken
Phase 1	Initial meeting with HR/management to discuss absence and possible workplace adjustments.
Phase 2	Referral to occupational health services for medical assessment and support recommendations.
Phase 3	Decision made on return-to-work options or possible alternative employment solutions.

💡 Important Notes:

• Employees must provide a doctor’s note for absences exceeding seven consecutive days.
• If an employee cannot return to work, alternative arrangements such as reduced hours or different roles may be considered.
• Ocado follows UK employment law, ensuring that employees with long-term health conditions are treated fairly.

---

Employee Experiences and Insights

Employee feedback offers practical insights into how Ocado’s attendance policy works in reality.

🔹 Sick Leave Process

• Employees must inform their manager immediately when sick and follow the official reporting procedure.
• After three days of sick leave, a “welfare meeting” may be scheduled.
• Some employees have mentioned that frequent absences result in automatic warnings, even when they provide valid medical reasons.

🔹 Sick Pay

• Sick pay eligibility depends on employment type and tenure.
• Employees reported that sick pay is not automatic and requires proper documentation.

💡 Employee Testimonial:
“Ocado’s sick leave policy is quite strict. Even if you’re genuinely unwell, you could face a meeting after a few absences. It’s important to report everything properly to avoid disciplinary action.” — Former Ocado Warehouse Employee

Source: Indeed Employee Reviews

---

Frequently Asked Questions About Ocado’s Attendance Policy

1. What happens if I have multiple short-term absences?

• You may enter Stage 1 of the Attendance Management Procedure if you have three separate absences within 12 months.
• If the pattern continues, you could face formal warnings or dismissal.

2. Does Ocado offer support for employees with medical conditions?

• Yes, employees with long-term medical conditions may be eligible for occupational health support and reasonable workplace adjustments.
• If necessary, Ocado may explore alternative job roles or modified duties.

3. Will I be dismissed for taking sick leave?

• Not necessarily. Dismissal only occurs if absenteeism continues despite multiple warnings.
• If your absences are due to a serious medical condition, you may qualify for additional protections under UK employment law.

4. What should I do if I am too sick to work?

• Report your absence immediately to your manager.
• If you’re absent for more than seven days, you must provide a doctor’s note.
• Attend any welfare meetings if requested to discuss your condition.

5. What if I have an emergency and can’t attend work?

• You must contact your manager as soon as possible and explain the situation.
• Depending on the circumstances, your absence may count toward the attendance tracking system.