No matter what industry you’re in, punctuality is essential to success. If you’re chronically late, your career could suffer long-term, even by just a few minutes. Here are a few reasons that punctuality matters.
1. Tardiness Penalties
Some employers have specific tardiness policies, with penalties for infractions. Many large worksites use a point system, in which you accrue a certain number of points each time you’re late. Others deal with lateness on a case-by-case basis. Either way, you could face escalating penalties, including being ineligible for promotions, partial day suspension, full-day suspension, and eventually firing.
2. Making a Good Impression
There’s an old saying, “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is fired.” Even if your workplace doesn’t have formal penalties for being late, your boss will take notice. When it comes to promotions and special projects, employers want workers who have proven their trustworthiness. Punctuality won’t get you a promotion on its own, but chronic lateness gives the impression that you don’t care, which can certainly hurt your chances.
Try to arrive at least 5 or 10 minutes early every day to show your professionalism. If you are unavoidably delayed, call as soon as possible and arrive as quickly as you can.
3. Respecting Your Coworkers
Many workplaces operate in shifts, and a worker on one shift can’t leave until their next shift replacement arrives. Even at worksites that run only a single shift, there may be morning meetings or other activities that require everyone’s presence. If you’re running late, you’re also delaying your coworkers from doing what they need to do. It shows a lack of respect for them, hurting employee morale and making it more challenging to bond as a team.
4. Burning Bridges
Maybe you’re ready for a new job, and you’ve already mentally checked out of your current position. You might even be working out your notice period, leaving for a new job in a matter of days or weeks. Still, this is no time to get complacent. Most industries are relatively small, and people tend to move around. You never know when you might end up working for your current boss again, or with your existing coworkers. Maintaining professionalism, including punctuality, can help you avoid burning any bridges.
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