WHY GENERATION Y SHOULDN’T BE LATE FOR WORK

I read a comment recently from a member of Generation Y that basically asked the question, “What’s the big deal if I come to work at 9:15am, instead of 9 o’clock?” I’m in no way suggesting that this attitude represents an entire generation. In fact, I've observed many Gen Xers and Baby Boomers coming in late so this question really pertains to every generation, not just Generation Y. However, this question does illustrate a lack of understanding of the importance of being on time in the workplace. I do understand that in certain work environments, it’s not a big deal if employees come in a little late but my comments are more focused on a company with a corporate culture. These are just a few reasons why you shouldn’t be late to work.

9:15am soon turns into 9:25am which soon turns into 9:35am, and, well you get my point. If you give someone an inch, they will take a yard. Let’s face it, if you come in a few minutes late and you can get away with it, you might try coming in even later the next day and before you know it, you start arriving at work during lunch. On one hand, your work days will be shorter but on the other hand, your job tenure may be shorter, too.

If you’re constantly allowed to come in late to work, then everyone else will want to, too. Every workplace requires rules and guidelines because it’s important that all members of the team are on the same page and follow those same rules and guidelines. What makes you so special? If the boss allows one employee to come in late, they have to let everyone else come in late and without any set time to begin the work day, mornings could become quite chaotic. “Where’s John?” “Oh, he’s late.” “Where’s Sherry?” “Oh, she’s late.” “What time do you expect them?” “Well, there is no time really, they just get here when they want.” If someone consistently bends or breaks the rules, it becomes more about them and less about the team.

Why tick the boss off first thing in the morning? When you come in late, you will most likely put the boss in a foul mood first thing in the morning. If you’re going to tick the boss off, at least try to do it toward the end of the day. I had an employee who was habitually late and I was ticked off first thing in the morning many times. This hurt our relationship over time and if it’s one relationship you don’t want to hurt, it’s your relationship with your boss.

You may unknowingly be preventing your co-workers or boss from getting their job done. You may not realize that your co-workers or boss may be waiting for you first thing in the morning to complete a project. Perhaps they have a question or need help on something that was discussed the previous day but they can’t proceed without your help. I had a boss who was always late. While it was his prerogative, his tardiness prevented me from completing projects that in the end, would make him look good. Unfortunately, I was not in a position to ask him to come in on time since he may have had a legitimate reason, like a breakfast meeting, for example.

It’s just plain rude to keep people waiting. When you are late for something, whether it’s for work, to a meeting, or for a doctor’s appointment, and you’re keeping people waiting, you’re basically saying that your time is more valuable than theirs. It isn’t. How do you like it when other people keep you waiting and it prevents you from working on something you need to complete?

If you do come in habitually late, just set your alarm clock to go off a few minutes earlier and barring any traffic accidents, sewer main breaks, or alien attacks, you should be on time for work. In fact, you may even consider coming in a few minutes early to catch up on emails and phone calls. Well, I’d like to write some more on this topic but I’m late for a meeting. No big deal, I’m sure they’ll wait for me!

What is your company’s attitude toward employees coming in late?

This article originally appeared on the Generation Y website brazencareerist.com on March 1.