Regular attendance is an essential job function, and absenteeism costs employers dearly. Most employees must be present at their job site on a regularly scheduled basis to do their jobs. However, there are many legitimate reasons why employees cannot be at work every day. Employers should have a policy that addresses all the issues of attendance, including lateness, sickness, personal business, family and medical leave, and disability concerns. A key part of an attendance policy is setting objective criteria for when excessive absenteeism requires disciplinary intervention and ensuring that the policy is communicated to employees. Solutions for improving attendance include compressed workweeks, flex-time, job sharing, rewards, telecommuting, and constructive discipline, up to and including termination.