Why Being Late to Work Is Hurting Your Reputation

From childhood we are taught that tardiness is unacceptable, whether it be receiving an admonishing note from an elementary teacher for being late to school, or a negative comment from a college friend after being late to a coffee date.  However, being late in these situations had few, if any, long-term effects.  Fast-forward to adulthood though, and a habit of failing to be on time can have a big impact on your career.

If you are continually late to work…

…it’s disrespectful.  Not only is it disrespectful to your boss, but to your fellow employees and any customers or clients that depend on your punctual arrival as well.  When others are counting on you, letting them down by not showing up at the planned time could end up throwing off the rest of their day’s schedule, and that is the epitome of disrespect.

…it’s “stealing”.  While you’re not actually taken a physical object from your boss, not arriving on time means you are essentially stealing their time and/or money.  If you are paid hourly salary, being late means you will lose out on some of your allotted pay, but you are still costing your boss (and their business) valuable time with your absence.  If you get paid routine salary, you are stealing actual money from your boss, since you are being paid for hours that you aren’t actually completing.

…it’s poor management.  Managing your time is a valuable skill, and one that should be mastered early in your career.  Not only does it help you in your daily life but it also increases your likelihood of impressing current and future employers with improved efficiency and productivity at work.  If you are continually tardy on the job, it shows poor management, and if you can’t be trusted with the work given, why would a boss think you’re capable of higher-paying jobs?

If you think this is the perfect time to get started in a new career, or if you’re unemployed and ready to take a leap into the working world, PHR Staffing Solutions is here to help you find the position meant for you.  Just give us a call for more information, or see our current openings here on our site to apply.