Being “fashionably late” is an excuse that people who are always late give to make themselves feel better, and it isn’t acceptable to your employer. Unfortunately snoozing your alarm 3 or 4 times and rushing out the door is an easy habit to adopt and a very hard one to break. We, humans, are creatures of habit, and we tend to lean toward the solution that gives us the most satisfaction at the moment even if it means difficulty later. It’s easy to think that extra 5-10 minutes will actually make a difference in the ease of getting out of bed, but it won’t. Stress sets In when you’re stuck behind that school bus or the lady in front of you stops at a yellow light when you clearly could’ve both made it through. Studies by Licensed Mental Health professionals show that stress can lead to negative self-talk, lack of confidence, and a halt in productivity. Is being late really worth all that? No.

If you notice you are chronically late, step back and analyze the problem. Why is this happening? Has something changed at home? Are you not giving yourself enough time in the morning to get ready? Whatever the reason it is important you find a solution to the problem because it can ultimately lead to your termination from your current employment if not addressed. If you have something going on at home that is unavoidable, talk to your boss. You may be able to come up with a temporary solution together, but ultimately your job is a commitment you made. You committed to being there, fully present, during the hours of 8-5, so you need to make every effort to honor that commitment. Please if you take anything out of any blog you read, remember this: DO NOT SHOW UP LATE TO WORK WITH A DUNKIN DONUTS COFFEE OR BREAKFAST SANDWICH IN YOUR HAND. I don’t care if you’re 2 measly minutes late. Without your job, you wouldn’t be able to afford your Dunkin or Starbucks or Stewarts or whatever it may be. If you must get a coffee on your way to work that’s fine but give yourself a sufficient amount of time to sit in a potentially 10-minute drive-thru line and still arrive to work on time.

Do you have an employee who is chronically late? How do you address the situation? It is recommended to address the situation in a private manner. Going to their desk and blurting out “why are you late again?” in front of their coworkers is not only insensitive but you’re likely offending the workers who you’re subjecting to the uncomfortable situation. Besides, you have no idea what is going on in this person’s personal life. Requesting a private suggestion will likely give you your answer within the first 5 minutes.  Make your expectations clear and explain why it is important that they are arriving at work on time. If you discover that it may be due to a temporary issue, and you are able, try offering flexibility for that time. Perhaps beginning and ending their day 30 minutes later. Set goals for the future and check in regularly to ensure they are taking the necessary steps to correct the problem. Be direct in the repercussions that would occur if the problem persists. It is important to address the situation to deter other employees from thinking it goes unseen.

Chances are if you are just a “chronically late,” individual you are not just late to work. It is important for you to make an effort to correct the problem, or it will show that you may be irresponsible or uninterested. It can affect all relationships in your life including professional ones and could cause you to miss out on opportunities that you would otherwise be given.

If you have a chronically late employee who you are looking to replace, give us a call at (518) 275-4816 where we are happy to find a qualified candidate to fill the role. For further information check out our website at https://walrathrecruiting.com/.

 

 

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