Enforce Punctuality to See Profits
7/14/2010 at 9:40 am by
In every office, you can usually find the one worker who gets the rest of the gang going in a rousing “over or under” game – will their colleague come in before or after 10:00 a.m.? This might add a little humor to the day, but tardiness is no laughing matter.
According to HR Magazine, chronic lateness can cost companies more than $3 billion a year in lost productivity. This is wasteful and unnecessary even in periods of economic prosperity, but business owners should be especially vigilant against costly office practices like lateness in a slowly recovering climate.
In order to ensure that workers know you mean business when you cite intolerance for tardiness, it’s smart to have upfront conversations about what constitutes lateness. To start, employers may explain to staff members that they are expected to arrive by a time established by their supervisors. Meetings should be held to inform individuals when they need to be in the office.
Once discussions are had about appropriate work hours, it may be good practice to submit something in writing to workers to hold them accountable to for punctuality. A written document indicating that there will be punishments – whether they’re pay docks or potential termination – will help enforce anti-tardy policies.
Sound a little harsh? Sympathetic employers may consider offering breakfasts on a first-come, first-serve basis to those who get in early.





