Is It Mandatory to Allow a Grace Period for Morning Arrivals Under the Bombay Shops Act?

Office Timings and Grace Periods

When setting the office opening and closing timings for office staff, is there any compulsion on management to make a rule allowing a grace period or late arrival for joining duty in the morning? If yes, what is the minimum time to be allowed for late arrival? If no, what can be the penalties if an employee arrives after opening hours? I am inquiring about the law or act that states whether it is compulsory or non-compulsory to offer a grace period.

In practice, we all understand that most managements are not strict on this issue, taking into account the genuine difficulties employees face daily to reach the office. I would appreciate members sharing their views considering a company registered under the Bombay Shops & Establishment Act.

Regards,
Abhay

Members are requested to disclose any rule or law about the grace period allowed for morning joining hours. Could you please share insights regarding this, especially in the context of companies registered under the Bombay Shops & Establishment Act?

Dear Abhay, Nothing is compulsory. However, the grace period is nothing but leeway considering the traffic situation in most cities. I do not know what industry you are from; however, you may make eight or nine hours of work compulsory, irrespective of the time at which the staff report for their duties. This facility of flexi-hours strikes a balance between late coming and the number of hours worked. An employee may come in one hour late, but he/she works late for the corresponding period. Most IT companies operate on this basis.

However, this flexibility cannot be offered to those working on the shop floor, in shifts, or in customer service roles.

Is there a requirement in your company that mandates managers to attend the morning meeting? If so, the facility of flexi-hours cannot be extended to them.

To avoid traffic congestion, I know of companies that have set their working hours from 0800 to 1600 hours. However, these companies provide breakfast, which must be finished before 0800 hours.

Ok...

Regards, Dinesh V Divekar

Attendance Rules Under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act

It is the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act that specifies the rules for attendance. The hours of work are to be viewed in two ways: first is the quantum, which cannot exceed 48 hours in a week and 10 hours in a day. The second is the clock time, indicating the starting and ending times. These clock times are determined by the employer considering the convenience of employees, train timings, etc.

It is possible for an employee to be late due to various reasons, whether within or beyond their control. Employers need not be overly concerned as work discipline is crucial. Being late by up to 15 minutes on a maximum of three occasions within a month is excusable. However, if an employee is late for the fourth time, either half-day wages are deducted, or the employee is prohibited from working during the first half of the shift. Some employers enforce this policy only for production workers and not for office staff, whose work is not time-dependent.

Regards,
Vibhakar Ramtirthkar

SVR Associates

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[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

This is what we follow in our company:

Office Timings

Off Timing: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Grace Time Policy

Grace Time: Up to 08:10 AM

Grace time is allowed three times in a month. The fourth late arrival would result in half a day LOP.

Regards,
Martin J

Fortunately, there is no law compelling grace time. Everyone must report at the work commencement time fixed in the standing orders. Leeway depends solely on merits; for example, heavy rain, strikes, accidents, and other force majeure causes.

Role of Supervisors

Supervisors must act as role models by being punctual. Otherwise, discussing rules becomes pointless. As Mr. Dinesh mentioned, close the canteen or control company transport, if available, before the shift starts. Ensure that the union, if present, is also informed and supports your actions.

Cheers,
Ganesh.