Strategies to Stop Lateness in the Workplace
Growing up, my Dad set a great example. He was never late. He instilled in me the importance of being on time and even early. I have worked since I was twelve years old, and always arrived at work at least 15 minutes prior to my shift. I feel that today, more than ever, it is important to clarify your policies in writing, and add information on work schedules, and make being on time for work and appointments a non-starter.
As a business owner and college professor, I have heard every excuse in the book. From traffic, to train delays, or a sick family member and not hearing the alarm. As a business owner, or responsible manager, you may overlook it the first time, but you need to watch for developing patterns. First it is 10 minutes, then 20, sometimes an hour.
With the new generation of millennials and Zs, more businesses are reporting that lateness is one of the most endemic and tension-building problems that they are dealing with.
Recently, I read a survey by CareerBuilder which reported that one in four employees admits to being late once a month, and 13% of employees say it’s a weekly occurrence.
If I have an employee who is late to work once every six months with good reason, I understand, as is validity in some of the reasons for being late. However, it is important to address the issues as soon as possible with team members who are perpetually late, and nip this in the bud.
For me, it is a reflection on our firm, and the way in which we do business if a team member is late. It embarrasses me and shows a lack of respect for the time of others. Late employees can reduce business productivity, especially if they aren’t making up for lost work time at the end of their workday. If not addressed and corrected, lateness for one also allows others to think that this is tolerated, and you will see a shift in your on-time performance across the team. If you are not taking the late arrivers to task and addressing the issue, you run the risk of decreased morale, resentment and work ethic of other team members. Where there is no consequence, you will see that tardiness will persist.
So, what can we do to change the tides and get our team to regularly be on time? Below are a few key strategies:
Lead by Example
As a leader, your actions set the standard. If you make it a habit to arrive on time, your team will notice and likely follow your lead. It's simple: show up when you say you will, and others will too. If you’re not actively communicating that you expect employees to show up on time, they may think you don’t care if they’re late.
Use a Time Tracking System
Having a solid time-tracking system can help keep tabs on who's arriving when. Whether it's a digital/virtual clock-in system or a good old-fashioned sign-in sheet, keeping track of arrival times can highlight any patterns of lateness. Use this info and data to address issues with specific employees if needed.
Schedule a Morning Team Meeting
Whether live or virtual, even if it’s a quick five-minute “check-in,” if everyone is expected to be present, you will shift the on-time performance of your team in a meaningful way. It will also energize members, create collaboration and connection and set the tone for the workflow of the day. They will have good reason to show up on time—or face questions about why they were absent.
Share Your Ops Manual to Set and Manage Expectations
Make sure your employee handbook spells out the expectations about work hours and arriving on time and reinforcing the policies should be an ongoing activity.
Offer Flexible Scheduling
Sometimes life gets in the way, and a rigid schedule just doesn't work for everyone. Consider offering flexible start times or remote work options. Flexibility can help employees manage their personal and professional lives better, which can reduce lateness.
Reward Punctuality
A little positive reinforcement can go a long way. Think about setting up a reward system for those who consistently show up on time. This could be anything from verbal praise to small rewards like gift cards or extra time off.
Offer Time Management Tips
Sometimes, being late is just about poor time management. Offer workshops or share tips on how to manage time effectively. Helping employees plan their days better can lead to improved punctuality and overall productivity.
Review and Adjust Policies
Take a look at your attendance policies regularly to make sure they’re fair and effective. Ask for feedback from your team to understand any challenges they’re facing. Be open to making changes that benefit everyone.
Build a Culture of Accountability
Encourage a culture where everyone feels responsible for their actions. When team members hold each other accountable, punctuality becomes a shared value. Team-building activities and a strong sense of community can help reinforce this.
By implementing these approachable yet effective strategies, you can create a workplace where being on time is the norm. Remember, it's not just about enforcing rules—it's about making your workplace a place where everyone wants to be, and punctuality will follow naturally.