How to Deal With Patterns of Employee Lateness

Keeping your boss and co-workers waiting because you're late is unprofessional.

Managing employees includes having to deal with patterns like lateness. Everyone being on time for work is essential for the running of a business, so this issue should concern any dedicated manager. Employees might be rarely or occasionally late, but if it becomes a pattern, it must be dealt with. If you don't address the employee's tardiness, co-workers may begin to resent their colleague and resent you for not doing anything about it.

Instructions

1. Find out why the employee is chronically late. Take the employee aside privately and ask him to provide a reason or explanation for arriving late to work. Often, knowing why a person is acting how they do can give you insight about what to do in response. If the reason is medical or personal, ask if there's anything you can do, such as changingshift times, to alleviate the issue. Explain to him why it's important for all employees to arrive on time.

2. Remind the employee that tardiness is not an option. If she can't come to work on time, tell her that action will be taken. Actions to take could include penalties, such as a reduction of hours or salary, a probation period or, if necessary, termination.

3. Inform all new employees about your policies regarding being on time and being late. Make it very clear what the consequences are for a pattern of lateness. Tell workers what exactly is acceptable and unacceptable. Nothing should be assumed as "common sense" and everything should be in writing. Create an employee handbook that includes all rules of conduct at your workplace. This can help to prevent future tardiness.

References

• Manager Training Center: Deal With Employees Who Are Always Late
• Samll Business Review; Dealing with the Chronically Late Employee; Gary M. Stern