It has been clearly established in the Industrial Court that…
1. Habitual late coming is a valid ground for dismissal, especially when verbal and written warnings have been issued, and the employee continues to be late.
2. It is irrelevant that the employee is only late by a few minutes or still manages to finish their work on time. Late is late, and it is considered misconduct.
3. Staying late to ‘make up’ for being late doesn’t make the behaviour acceptable, particularly if you’re late for three times a week.
4. Making jokes about your tardiness shows a lack of seriousness, and the court will view it as disrespectful toward your superior, further demeriting your case.
Not all bosses (like myself) are strict about punctuality, but in roles where strict schedules are very important like airlines, public transportation, and education, punctuality is non-negotiable. It ensures smooth operations, upholds professionalism and maintains trust.
If you want to learn more about managing tardiness and absenteeism from a HR perspective, join my HR Interrupted: Managing Discipline classroom training this November 2024. Especially if your company have unutilised HRDC funds!
For more information, here is the link: https://forms.gle/e9ohmzwwJLsb3HnP9
Happy weekend, everybody! Remember, if you’re thinking of being fashionably late next week… think again. Unless you’re planning to make your grand entrance into the unemployment line 😏.
Stay sharp, stay punctual, and keep that alarm clock close!
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
