Being punctual not only refers to being on time for work or for meetings or appointments whilst at work, but also being ready and prepared on arrival. It involves a degree of commitment to the job role, organisation and time management, travel planning, and an awareness or understanding of the importance of being on time and behaving responsibly or professionally whilst at work. Late workers impact negatively on productivity and co-worker morale, particularly for other employees who depend on them or who have to provide cover.
People with an intellectual disability, memory deficits, a sensory impairment, fluctuating poor health, mobility restrictions, a psychiatric condition or disability adjustment issues such as difficulty accepting and managing symptoms, may all experience problems with punctuality. It is therefore important to take into consideration the specific needs of the disability and how it affects their ability to be on time and ready for work.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a number of strategies and services available to employees needing assistance with punctuality.
On the job strategies
- providing a flexible workplace for employees enabling then to adjust their hours if early mornings present a problem due to things such as medication causing morning drowsiness, sleep disturbance or self care regime:
- fostering a healthy lifestyle for workers to promote health and well-being, for example, be conscious of stress levels in the workplace, encourage physical fitness and if lunches are provided, make healthy foods available:
- establishing clear or specific expectations or standards regarding employee responsibility towards being on-time and ready for work, work meetings or appointments
- praising improvements in punctuality—this can be as easy as a simple 'well done' or showing gratitude, alternatively offer rewards to maintain motivation levels
- assisting workers to develop problem solving skills to determine the cause of any punctuality issues such as transport problems, and to identify possible solutions:
- increasing awareness of professional support services available for those prone to lateness due to motivation problems or psychological issues, who may need counselling, such as providing details regarding a company’s appointed employee assistance program provider or counselling service in newsletters or via email
- establishing a buddy program with a co-worker who can role model and encourage punctuality ((Clark, Peters & Tomlinson 2003; Accel Team 2008).
Aids and products
There are various aids and products available that can assist with punctuality, such as:
Support services
A trained psychologist or counsellor may be able to provide workers assistance with determining and resolving underlining issues associated with lateness such as worker dissatisfaction or social anxiety. See the following links for professional help:
Other job requirements and supports
References
Clark, K.,Peters, S. & Tomlinson, M. 2003, What makes people late for work – Why it happens, University of Manchester, Manchester, viewed 3 April 2009, <http://www.warwick.ac.uk/res2003/media/kenclark.htm>.
Accel Team 2008, Employee Motivation: Theory and Practice, Accel Team, Cumbria, viewed 3 April 2009, <http://www.accel-team.com/motivation/index.html>.