How to Ensure Employees are Coming to Work on Time

Did you know that employee tardiness causes businesses in the United States billions of dollars in lost revenue each year? It's a serious issue, and roughly 20 percent of all employees are frequently late to work.

You've done everything from talking about lateness in meetings to writing people up. But how can you ensure that employees come to work on time each day? Here are some tips that could make a difference.

Have Clear Tardiness Policies

One of the simplest things you can do is set clear policies and expectations. Don't be wishy-washy about the rules!

Some companies start with relaxed guidelines and only try to enforce rules once tardiness becomes an issue. To avoid that, be strict about the policies. Let everyone know when they should be in and what happens when they are late.

Use Attendance Tracking Software

Good software can make it much easier to stay on top of employee attendance. Instead of relying on memory or hearsay, you can have clear records of when everyone clocks in and when they leave.

This data can come in handy. Not only does it help you see the bigger picture, but it'll help you identify potential trends. Use the data to nip those issues in the bud and meet with chronic latecomers.

Have Action Plans

In addition to having policies and attendance tracking software, have a plan in place to deal with regularly late people. This part isn't easy. No one wants to discipline their employees, but it may be necessary.

Set rules on how to approach the subjects. For example, you can set up meetings after employees are late a certain number of times. That can graduate to warnings, referrals, and other disciplinary actions.

Provide Incentives

Who doesn't love a good incentive? Incentives can encourage your team to change their behavior without going down the route of disciplinary measures.

You don't have to do much. A small treat or even lengthier breaks is enough to get most people into work earlier.

Change Work Schedules

If your employees are chronically late, consider changing the schedule. Flexible work arrangements are the norm nowadays, and many people are used to working from home. It can take time to adjust.

Pushing back work hours by even 30 minutes can make all the difference.

Read a similar blog about employee data here at this page.