Would you tolerate a job where no one turns up on time

stupidbmovie

My job is in an office. I am the only one who regularly turns up on time. Everyone else habitually turns up late. Anything between 5-30 minutes every day. Some people regularly call in sick or just don't turn up. This means someone else has to pick up the workload and often it means me.

Today one person called in, the supervisor was AWOL, and we have a temp specifically hired to cover people in the instance of sickness, but they have been calling in the last two weeks too. This situation isn't unusual and pretty normal here. In return, the same people will squabble about every minute of break or privilege they are allowed to have and are out the door by 5PM on the dot. One particular person is ALWAYS late.

I've complained several times about why people can't turn up and how the buck gets passed to me (and others too) but management don't seem to be interested. All they say is that they're following company policy for those they feel necessary. They honestly don't care or seem to have an ability to enforce people to turn up properly. Occasionally, they may call us all into a meeting, including me, and say they've had enough, but do nothing. And it's not exactly a great deal of extra work to take on, at least usually.

But having everyone late or missing all the time makes me kind of embarrassed, angry even. Am I right in feeling there's a lack of self-respect here? Be honest, does this feel normal and acceptable to you?

Comms69

No; but I don’t run the company. They can decide disciplinary as they see fit

Fireflyaway

I think time keeping is very important. it's disrespectful to colleagues to leave them to pick up your work. Presumably they still get paid for a whole days work? That's a bit like theft to me if the lateness is very regular and without just cause.
I'd also feel frustrated in your position but I don't see that you can do much. Does this office form part of a larger organization? Could tell head office it so. I'm guessing the managers are also late. It's probably an unspoken thing. Managers let workers time keeping slide because they don't keep time themselves!

Carrot007

It's all down to company policy.


Where I work it is pretty much "just get the work done and put the hours in where you like". It's a new policy and many managers do not like it.


In fact the policy is also don't come in if you have no reason but still get your work done (all phones are though the computer (with headset) or if you have one you can redirect to company mobile.


This is how it should be if it can be. However there are many areas of business this would not work. Sounds like yours could be one. However you don't say enough to know.


However in the end if the management don't care then either do it yourself. Or if you feel they would punish you, as they are allowed to, then find a new place to work.

Barny1979

Time to look elsewhere for a job. Doesn't sound like the situation will change.

TBagpuss

This means someone else has to pick up the workload and often it means me.

Are you just picking this up because you feel you should, or are you being instructed to do so by management? What would happen if you simply didn't pick up the extra?

I think different workplaces have different approaches to timekeeping, many work well with people being trusted to deal with their own work and to sort out their own timings, but for that to work, people need to be willing to actually manage their own time.

Where I work, we don't get too concerned if someone is late in, *if* they are managing their workload. but it sounds as though that isn't happening with your organisation.

ohreally

If the workplace culture doesn't suit then cast an eye for another job, since management appear complicit you are unlikely to bring improvement.

xapprenticex

Cant beat them, join them


Or, just find another place and let them sink.

suki1964

Are you a manager or supervisor?

If not, why is it bothering you what others do?

mangog

This must be really frustrating, especially as you're picking up their workload. I have to confess I am rubbish at getting up on time so I'm often 'late' (arriving after 9) but luckily my office operates on flexitime so I can just stay late to make up my hours, and I know no one is counting on me being there at 9 on the dot. If I knew if was affecting my colleagues I'd definitely make the effort to be in 'on time'. Do your colleagues know how much work you have to pick up because of them? You could try explaining, although that might backfire and just annoy people which would make your life even harder.

Unfortunately I'd guess that without any real consequences from management it's not likely to change so I'd be inclined to start looking for a new job with an environment that better matches your work ethic/habits. I think you'll be happier (as a late riser I certainly am, now that I can come and go on my own time!) Good luck.

boo_star

Turning up on time is important but I certainly don't blame people who down tools exactly when they stop being paid for it.

In this case it appears that everyone is taking the mick and i'd just start looking for another job. You shouldn't be expected to carry the entire team/department/company on your own back.