Why does the corporate world stress so much on punctuality? Why is it important to be on time, may it be a business meeting, an interview, or even for daily office? Why is punctuality associated with dedication towards the job? What difference does it make if you’re five minutes late or if you miss a day or two at the office?
In this post, we'll discuss everything you should know about punctuality and being on time for work!
Why Is Being On Time Important for Work?
When a person is late, may it be the employee or the employer, it tends to spread to the whole workplace. When one person is absent or late at work, the whole chain is disturbed, and an additional burden is placed on the other colleagues. There is a punctuality policy in every workplace that sets forth certain expectations for the employees. Punctuality conveys that you are dedicated towards your job, and you are capable of honoring the responsibility and work ethics. Being on time builds a rather positive image of commitment and professionalism.
When you are late, you are thrown off the loop, and it takes quite a while to catch up on what you’ve missed in that time. Even if you are a minute late for the meeting, as soon as you enter the conference room, all the attention suddenly shifts upon you. But if you reach for the same meeting about 5 minutes early, it gives you time to settle down, familiarize yourself with all the faces in the room, maybe revise your presentation or points. The one who is late never has that time for preparation, and is usually more pressurized. The most harm is done when a leader is late: lowers the morale of the whole workplace, and sends a message of irresponsibility. A leader who is late shows that he/she doesn’t respect his clients and his/her staff. It shows that he/she is team-centered and reliable or trustworthy.
Managing your reputation is crucial for success in the workplace. Studies reveal that a worker who is punctual is seen to be more dependable and consistent, as compared to a worker who is always late and rushes through deadlines. Being on time shows that you are making an effort to get up early in the morning, and doing your best to keep things running smoothly. Your job security is based on punctuality. In a competitive job market, you may risk your job if you fail to meet a deadline, as you may come across as lazy and careless.
Arriving late is a way of saying that your own time is more valuable than the time of individual/s waiting for you. Punctuality is the soul of business.
Advantages of Being On Time for Work
Those who are consistently on time for work will see some advantages over those who are frequently late.
Increase in Chances of Promotion
Those who arrive to work on time are more likely to receive a promotion or raise than those who are late. Earning more money starts with arriving on time.
More Friends
Friends don't like people who are late. Your colleagues will appreciate your punctuality making it easier to fit in at your workplace.
Less Anxiety
Being late can be a major cause of stress and anxiety. By being on time, you'll limit any additional stress that might come with being late.
Tips to Being On-Time for Work
Now that you understand the importance of being on time for work, let's discuss a few tips to ensure you make it to your location on time.
Understand Your Reasons
Why are you always late? The first step in fixing any problem is acknowledging the issue to begin with. If you're having trouble arriving on time, write down a list of possible reasons. It could be things like:
- Lack of care
- Poor planning
- Traffic
Plan Ahead
While you can't plan for everything, planning the time it takes for you to prepare for the day and your commute to work should be a no brainer.
This means, you should have an estimate for how long it will take you to get ready in the morning (or whatever time you work!), how long your commute typically takes, and any other routines before you arrive at the workplace (yes, you'll need to take into account your trip to the coffee shop).
Make it a Priority
The most common reason people arrive late is because it is not a priority. And if there is no punishment, you're likely to continue doing so until there is a negative consequence like not getting a promotion or worse, being let go.
You need to make being on time a priority if you really want to change your behavior.
Add Buffer Time
Traffic sucks. We all know this. So when it comes to planning your morning commute, it's wise to add an extra 10 or 15 minutes in case of irregular traffic. Some days, you may arrive early, while other days, you might arrive right on time. Either way, this buffer time will increase your chances of being on time for work.
Be Consistent
If you haven't been the most punctual person in your past and you're trying to change your behavior, you'll need to be consistent. Because it takes habits more than 3 weeks to form, staying consistent with your schedule and punctuality is essential to developing your new habit.
Conclusion: Being On Time Starts with You!
You have every reason to be on time. There is no drawback to being on time. So why aren't you?
It's likely due to a lack of planning or care.
Once you've realized the reasons you're consistently late, you can work to fix them. By being prepared and adding buffer time into your schedule, you're much more likely to be on time for work.
What are your thoughts on being on time for work? Comment below!
