I've been a manager of a department in a Corporate business for about a year now. I inherited a group of employees from the previous manager and I've come to realize we have very different management styles.
One of these differences is in regards to employees notifying that they need to use sick time. From talking to my group, previous manager required a detailed explanation as to why they need to take sick time and a list of all tasks that won't be finished due to their absence. At times she apparently asked for a doctor's note as well.
I think this is ridiculous and have told my employees that I don't require any of that as quite frankly it's none of my business why they need to use a sick day. All I ask them to do is to text or call or email me to let me know they're using sick time that day. That's it. Nothing more nothing less.
But they still keep sending me detailed explanations and apologizing profusely when calling in sick. I reply and remind them that there's absolutely no need to apologize or explain and wish them well.
Is there something different I could say or do to help them realize they're entitled to sick time and don't need to explain themselves for using it?