Employee tardiness problem........

[yowolabi]

So the moral of this thread is that if you find that guy who's consistently late, you should promote him because he's probably your best worker?

 

[imported_Imp]

I was going to "lay off, it's ten minutes" (this coming from a stupid, lazy, mofo who has always tried and failed at going to work or school on time, but somehow makes it in at exactly the same 10 minutes after start), but from the sounds of it, there are many other qualities beyond tardiness that make the situation worse.

So, coming from the 'tard that I am, things that would actually make me get there on time are: REAL threat of job determination and ...that's about it. Unless the guy's a doctor or something, guess you could throw in 'lives depend on it'. At my last jobs, got told very pleasantly, unstern and in an 'I don't really care' way from my superivsor to get there early. Made it a few weeks, went back to normal. My last job, just snuck in to my cubicle, didn't care if I was offsite (went in up to half an hour plus late). So until I grow the eff up or someone threatens to fire me, I probably won't change nor would other late people...

 

[Patt]

Where I am it is a strict time of 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. One of my co-workers is habitually 30-40 minutes late (25 minute, no traffic, highway commute), yet never gets 'written up' or otherwise disciplined in any way. I am here at 6:55 every day, and since he is senior to me, I often have crises that have appeared over night I need his assistance to fix. :| Needless to say, I have broached the subject with my supervisor, who isn't inclined in the least to do anything, and as such it is an issue to me insofar as it actually affects most of my work days.

From that perspective, I'd say have a firm policy, and good worker or not, remove the trouble to avoid associated troubles with other employees down the line. Remember, he is only one of many that you have, and preferential treatments DO get noticed.

 

[theknight571]

I think you have to look big picture.

Sure he's "late", but does his work ethic and quality make up for it? Is he willing to work late to get the job done when necessary? etc.

I can't stand clock watchers... on either the manager side or the employee side.

I will grant you there are jobs where promptness is necessary... but for most office jobs... 15min... let it go.

Note: I would make the cutoff at 15min though... any more than that and we have a problem.... Just everyday traffic can make my arrival time flucuate 10-15 min.

 

[ahurtt]

Originally posted by: redgtxdi
Ya, it's only 10 minutes.


HR in this case is really the owner of the company. He handles payroll himself & he establishes a conduct of promptness in the facility he runs. (I run a satellite for him)

He does work hard when he's at work, thus I'd hate to lose him, but it's almost as if he just wants to make sure he's not held down by "the man". (Yes, there could be a racial thing to this too.......no, he's not black).

I don't mind a few minutes late, but Friday, yesterday and today have been 8:12, 8:11 and 8:10 respectively.

I, honestly, don't care.....(I've got the rest of the employees walking the line) but it's just frustrating 'cuz I look like a pushover & I'm really not. I just, really don't want to turn into a 'prick' of a boss. I create a good work environment & give these folks all the breaks I can & we do well.....(we grew substantially last year & all shared in the profits).

Just frustrating.....:|

Is he the only guy that has to take the bus or depend on a roomate for a ride to work at your employment place? If not, how do the other people make it to work on time? Maybe you could give him a raise so he could afford his own car. But then again you don't want to seemingly be rewarding tardiness by giving a raise. Ask him if there's anything you can do to help him be on time. Have you shared his problem with the bus with the HR guy? What was his response?

 

[BoomerD]

A lot of youse work salaried jobs that can allow such flexibilty, which, depending on the job, might be good. I worked heavy construction, where you depend on everyone being at work on time. You have to schedule your life around your work, NOT your work around your life. PLUS, unless you're salaried exempt, in Kahleeforneeya, if you work more than 8 hours, the company HAS to pay you overtime for all hours in excess of 8. You cannot make a private agreement to work 6 hours today, and 10 tomorrow...

 

[redgtxdi]

Interesting............


Definitely a 3-way view on this whole matter no matter who you are........(there are so many management styles out there & everybody has a book on what works best........tyrant, nice guy, mix of both, etc. etc.)


Early
Who cares give or take a few
Late...always.....never gonna change & why be such a d!ck about it.


And I'm sure that all 3 types can be great workers, period.

Is there a best???

Is "punctual but an idiot" better than "slacky but great worker"???

 

[EMPshockwave82]

Originally posted by: redgtxdi
Interesting............


Definitely a 3-way view on this whole matter no matter who you are........(there are so many management styles out there & everybody has a book on what works best........tyrant, nice guy, mix of both, etc. etc.)


Early
Who cares give or take a few
Late...always.....never gonna change & why be such a d!ck about it.


And I'm sure that all 3 types can be great workers, period.

Is there a best???

Is "punctual but an idiot" better than "slacky but great worker"???

slacky but a great worker is obviously better. As long as slacky doesnt mean never shows up. If you're there, get your job done, and are there when you're needed you're better than an idiot any day.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Originally posted by: redgtxdi
Interesting............


Definitely a 3-way view on this whole matter no matter who you are........(there are so many management styles out there & everybody has a book on what works best........tyrant, nice guy, mix of both, etc. etc.)


Early
Who cares give or take a few
Late...always.....never gonna change & why be such a d!ck about it.


And I'm sure that all 3 types can be great workers, period.

Is there a best???

Is "punctual but an idiot" better than "slacky but great worker"???

If they are more or less independent (meaning no one else depends on their part of the work at a certain time of day), who cares what time they work? I don't care if you work from 4pm to midnight every day, as long as you get your work done.

 

[vi edit]

If he's consistently 10 minutes late, he needs to take an earlier bus. Or find a new job.

On jobs that I was required to be ass-in-seat at a certain time, I was always there. And that was with a 25 mile commute.

If you are always late, it's not a traffic problem. It's a YOU problem. Leave earlier.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
If he's consistently 10 minutes late, he needs to take an earlier bus. Or find a new job.

On jobs that I was required to be ass-in-seat at a certain time, I was always there. And that was with a 25 mile commute.

If you are always late, it's not a traffic problem. It's a YOU problem. Leave earlier.

QFT!

 

[IceBergSLiM]

allow him flex time come in ten minutes late he leaves ten minutes late.

 

[TreyRandom]

Originally posted by: redgtxdi
Is "punctual but an idiot" better than "slacky but great worker"???

If they're an idiot... why keep them employed (unless you CAN be an idiot and do the job correctly...)?

I come in anywhere between 9 and 9:30 every day, and I stay until the job is done, whether that's 4pm or 9pm. The flexibility is one of the reasons I stay. It's nice to be able to have the time to give my young boys hugs and kisses and talk with them a minute before heading out the door, rather than having to rush out without saying goodbye.

That said, my job isn't one where I have to be manning a phone or running a store or handling appointments at a certain time. My career in IT sometimes has me work late, but if I'm not there, the morning folks can take care of it... and then they can leave early while I work late. It all works out, and everyone is happy.

 

[theknight571]

Originally posted by: IcebergSlim
allow him flex time come in ten minutes late he leaves ten minutes late.

This is where it would get touchy... cause then you'd have to offer flex time to everyone.

They tried this at my wife's office, and they ended up nixing it and going back to everyone starts at 8:30a.

I think, assuming he's a good worker and gets his job done otherwise, keep up the appearence that you're upset that he's late... and don't let up on him... but "seceretly" let it go.

 

[EMPshockwave82]

Originally posted by: BoomerD

Originally posted by: vi_edit
If he's consistently 10 minutes late, he needs to take an earlier bus. Or find a new job.

On jobs that I was required to be ass-in-seat at a certain time, I was always there. And that was with a 25 mile commute.

If you are always late, it's not a traffic problem. It's a YOU problem. Leave earlier.

QFT!

It's the .44 caliber question.

If you are not doing something correctly and I put a gun to your head and asked you if you could do it right and you said yes then there is a discipline problem.

If you are not doing something correctly and I put a gun to your head and ask if you can do it right and you say no then there is an educational problem.

 

[TreyRandom]

Originally posted by: EMPshockwave82
It's the .44 caliber question.

If you are not doing something correctly and I put a gun to your head and asked you if you could do it right and you said yes then there is a discipline problem.

If you are not doing something correctly and I put a gun to your head and ask if you can do it right and you say no then there is an educational problem.

If I am not doing something correctly and you put a gun to my head, I have an employment problem, and you've got issues. I quit, dude.

 

[BoomerD]

It comes down to "Does the job require you to be there at a set time or not?"
If so, then either you're on time, or you get to find another job.
If not, (as many of you have) then no issue...but the company makes the decision whether to allow flexible time, NOT the employees...

 

[EMPshockwave82]

Originally posted by: TreyRandom

Originally posted by: EMPshockwave82
It's the .44 caliber question.

If you are not doing something correctly and I put a gun to your head and asked you if you could do it right and you said yes then there is a discipline problem.

If you are not doing something correctly and I put a gun to your head and ask if you can do it right and you say no then there is an educational problem.

If I am not doing something correctly and you put a gun to my head, I have an employment problem, and you've got issues. I quit, dude.

HAHA... you're right.

 

[db]

He is the type that the only thing that will motivate him is real fear of losing his job.

 

[db]

If this guy had any consideration for other people, he would not be fathering multiple children with different women. He has no consideration for his fellow workers, nor his employer. He has the maturity of a 14 y/o.

 

[smack Down]

If he comes in late just send him home and tell him to come in on time the next day. If he comes in late again send him home again repeat until he quits or comes in on time.

 

[db]

Seems simple enough.

 

[Metron]

Sounds like the "problem" is all in your head.

You're too focused on things that don't really matter (like watching the clock). You treat your employees like children, and then expect them to behave like professionals. Time cards? 10 minutes late? Where is the principal? You're worried how you'll "look" to other employees and other managers? Are you kidding?

If this employee is consistently late, yet he's willing to stay late and work until the task at hand is completed, why are you being so anal? Your OP says he's a good employee, so I would assume in all other work matters he is consistently above reproach.

In your defense, you comment later on his personal life. Again, it sounds like you're trying to justify your anal behavior in the workplace with an outside issue that has no bearing. Perhaps you're a bit jealous of his carefree lifestyle?

 

[Metron]

So let me get this straight: You're the type of boss who is fine with the "punctual but idiot" slacker who shows up on time, promptly runs down to the cafeteria for breakfast, then takes four 15 minute smoke breaks (9am, 11am, 1pm and 4pm), two 20 minute coffee breaks (10 am and 3pm), and leaves promptly at 5pm every day? The one who is hopelessly behind in his work, yet always "appears" to be busy?

 

[DrPizza]

Depends on your management style. Some people have to have everyone following their rules perfectly. Other managers are able to work out something that benefits both parties. I tend to prefer the later style of management. Because his tardiness is due to issues with public transportation, why not offer him options that would work for both of you - working part of his lunch to make up for it (i.e. changing his 8 to 5 day with a 12 hour lunch to an 8:15 to 5 day with a 45 minute lunch.) Sounds like he's a better employee than some that you already have; do you really want to lose an asset over something that can be dealt with in another manner?