What action needs to be taken by employees if they are going to be absent due to illness?

When employees are going to be absent due to illness, the appropriate action to take is to notify their supervisor. This step is essential for several reasons. First, timely communication with a supervisor allows for the proper management of workloads and responsibilities in the employee's absence. It ensures that the supervisor can make necessary adjustments, such as delegating tasks or planning for coverage, to maintain operational efficiency.

Additionally, notifying a supervisor reflects professional conduct and respect for the team, as it keeps everyone informed about potential absences that could affect daily operations. It is also typically outlined in most workplace policies that employees should directly communicate with their supervisors regarding attendance issues.

While other options, such as sending an email to HR, may be relevant in some contexts, direct notification to the supervisor is the primary and most immediate step that should be taken, as it directly addresses the immediate need for coverage and ensures adherence to workplace protocols regarding absences.