Late once in 2 years and boss complained

westbridgfordguy

Am working my notice period at the moment as a middle manager in a small sized company. Have been there for nearly 2 years have never been late or taken a day off sick for that matter in that time. Regularly worked unpaid overtime, came in at weekends to finish project work off.

Arrived ten minutes late at work yesterday no important meeting that I should have attended, nothing critical that I missed being ten minutes late. Received an email from my line manager this morning saying that he had noted on the clocking system that I was ten minutes late and what was the reason for this?

I actually had to calm myself after I read this and would like suggestions how to reply to this professionally and pragmatically. TIA

keithdc

Apologise, blame it on traffic. Keep it short. Don't be late again.

You are leaving- just keep your life easy and straightforward.

General_Grant

"Sorry - my neighbour collapsed on the doorstep/bus broke down/whatever it was that prevented your being there on time"

westbridgfordguy

Is is even worthy of a reply? Am resisting temptation to print off a copy of my entire 2 years worth of clockings.

bugslet

Going from what you said, he didn't complain, he just asked why.

But yeah, just explain real or imaginary, and let it go.

motorguy

westbridgfordguy wrote: »

Is is even worthy of a reply? Am resisting temptation to print off a copy of my entire 2 years worth of clockings.

If hes doing it to provoke a reaction, why would you give him that satisfaction?

I'd give a short factual reply.

sangie595

Regardless of whatever you or we think... Regardless of whether you have never been late before... Or in how many years... Or any other excuse

You were late for work and your manager is entitled to ask why. Don't overreact. Answer the question. Move on.

RichardD1970

I would have let him know as soon as I got in, popped my head round his door and apologised with a quick explanation, just out of general courtesy.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

westbridgfordguy wrote: »

Am working my notice period at the moment as a middle manager in a small sized company. Have been there for nearly 2 years have never been late or taken a day off sick for that matter in that time. Regularly worked unpaid overtime, came in at weekends to finish project work off.

Arrived ten minutes late at work yesterday no important meeting that I should have attended, nothing critical that I missed being ten minutes late. Received an email from my line manager this morning saying that he had noted on the clocking system that I was ten minutes late and what was the reason for this?

I actually had to calm myself after I read this and would like suggestions how to reply to this professionally and pragmatically. TIA

As you have never been late before, for all you know this is his automatic response to everybody every time they are late.

ReadingTim

ScorpiondeRooftrouser wrote: »

As you have never been late before, for all you know this is his automatic response to everybody every time they are late.

Or he's making sure that you're still keeping to your contracted hours despite working out your notice - the temptation could be to mentally check out a little early....

But if such an innocuous query got the OP as worked up as he claims, there are probably bigger issues he needs to address...

motorguy

ReadingTim wrote: »

Or he's making sure that you're still keeping to your contracted hours despite working out your notice - the temptation could be to mentally check out a little early....

But if such an innocuous query got the OP as worked up as he claims, there are probably bigger issues he needs to address...

Maybe he is by leaving?