If an employee is frequently calling in sick, balance empathy with accountability. Support them by exploring underlying causes, offering flexible arrangements, and connecting them to resources, while also protecting team morale by redistributing workload fairly and setting clear expectations.

In early childhood education, staff wellbeing is critical, but frequent sick leave can create real challenges. Absences affect ratios, compliance, and team morale, often leaving colleagues stretched thin. Leaders must balance compassion for the individual with fairness to the team.