When Tardiness Becomes a Habit

 When Tardiness Becomes a Habit: How Employers Can Address Chronic Lateness

How Tardiness Affects Work and What to Do About It

Showing up late for work is a common problem that affects both employees and businesses. In fact, the cost of absenteeism and tardiness is estimated to be in the billions of THB each year. So, why are so many employees showing up late, and what can businesses do to address this issue?

Causes of Tardiness

Traffic, oversleeping, and bad weather are among the most common reasons why employees show up late for work. Others include being too tired to get out of bed, procrastination, and unexpected emergencies. While these reasons may seem legitimate, some employees have used outrageous excuses such as watching a football game or getting locked in a closet.

Consequences of Tardiness

While many employers are willing to overlook occasional tardiness, habitual attendance problems can lead to consequences such as termination. In fact, being late for work is the most common reason why employees are fired. Employers expect their staff to be on time every day, but some have a grace period of 5-7 minutes.

What to Do When You're Late for Work

If you know you'll be late for work, it's important to be proactive and let your team know. Apologize for the delay and don't lie. If tasks need to be covered, delegate them so nothing is missed. Most importantly, don't make lateness a habit.

Conclusion

Tardiness and absenteeism can cost businesses money and productivity. While employers have different policies on tardiness, it's important for employees to take responsibility and be proactive if they know they'll be late. By addressing this issue head-on, businesses can create a more productive and successful workplace.