Workforce Guides

Handling employees who are constantly tardy for work is one of the difficulties of being a manager — no matter the industry. Simply firing them isn’t always the best policy when you consider the effort spent trying to hire their replacement. On the other hand, if your organization thrives on teamwork, having one team member not pulling their weight is bad for office morale.

It is important to try and deal with the situation in a logical manner without affecting team chemistry. With that in mind, here are a few ideas on how to best manage an employee who never gets to work on time.

How is their Work Performance Otherwise?

If your company is in the technology industry, focused on project deliverables, chronic tardiness may not be an issue provided the employee gets their work completed on time or even ahead of schedule. Conversely, if the worker in question is in a customer service or help desk role, being late needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Either way, take into account their overall work performance before making a decision.

Meet One-to-One to discuss the Issue

When simply walking by their desk to acknowledge a late arrival doesn’t stop the issue, it is probably time for a one-on-one meeting with a frank discussion. Try to understand if there are any extenuating circumstances (traffic, daycare drop-off, etc.) contributing to the problem. If the employee stays late while continuing to get their work completed properly, no additional steps may be necessary, depending on the nature of your organization’s business.

Being proactive as a manager while showing you understand and even relate to their personal situation might enhance that employee’s performance over the long haul. It is vital you take the steps to get to the bottom of the issue before contemplating further discipline.

The Time for Discipline

If repeated attempts to get through to a tardy employee go nowhere, some discipline is in order. Give them one final chance before writing them up on their employee record. At this point, consider using a three strike rule. At this point, if they get written up three times for tardiness, they will be dismissed no questions asked.

This should only be a last resort, considering the costs of the hiring process as previously noted. Overall office efficiency and employee morale need always end up being more important than an individual employee.

Whenever you need additional insight on building a great team at your office, talk to the experts at PrideStaff Houston. One of the top general staffing agencies in Texas, we offer great candidates able to hit the ground running on their first day. Contact us at your earliest convenience.