How to Handle Employee Tardiness in the Workplace

It happens to every manager at some point—an employee starts showing up late, offering excuses like bad traffic, oversleeping, or a sick pet. At first, you might let it slide. But when it becomes a pattern, it can hurt productivity, impact morale, and set a bad example for the rest of your team.

According to a CareerBuilder survey, 1 in 4 employees admits to being late at least once a month, and 13% say it happens weekly. Some excuses are legitimate—like a flat tire—but repeated tardiness needs to be addressed.

Why Chronic Lateness Is a Problem

Decreases productivity – Late employees can throw off workflow and slow down projects.
Hurts team morale – Other employees may feel frustrated if they’re always on time while a coworker isn’t.
Encourages bad habits – If lateness isn’t addressed, others may start arriving late too.

How to Address Employee Lateness

✔ Talk to the Employee – Have an open and honest conversation about their tardiness.
✔ Set Clear Expectations – Make sure they understand workplace policies regarding punctuality.
✔ Offer Solutions – Flexible scheduling or remote work options might help if lateness is unavoidable.
✔ Implement Consequences – If the behavior continues, disciplinary actions may be necessary.

As a business owner or manager, tackling lateness early can prevent bigger problems down the road. Want more strategies for handling chronic tardiness? Check out this short video and article by Kelly Spors for expert tips: Watch Here.

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