Hi all, I do Accounts/Admin work in a small-sized IT firm. For some time now, we have been having challenges managing workers' lateness to work, and my boss has told me to go and set up policies to manage that. How should I go about this? We resume by 8 am and close at 6 pm with a 1-hour lunch break. Should a latecomer forfeit his/her lunch break or stay late to make up for the lost time? I would highly appreciate your professional advice.
Regards, Chinwe
From Nigeria, Lagos
Regards, Chinwe
From Nigeria, Lagos
Dear Chinwe,
Handling Employees' Late Coming
There are two things to consider when handling employees' late arrivals. It depends on the nature of your business within IT.
Flexitime for Software Developers
Do you develop any software? If yes, then for software developers, you need not bind them to certain hours. You may offer them the facility of flexitime. Whenever they report, they can perform their duties for 'x' hours. In India, this method is widely prevalent in the IT sector.
Punctuality in Service Organizations
If you are in a service organization where direct or indirect customer interaction is present, then punctuality is most important. You may have shifts within the daytime, i.e., someone comes at 0800 hours, 0900 hours, and 1000 hours, etc. Early comers will leave early, etc.
Work Hours and Labor Laws
By the way, how are the hours of work prescribed as per the labor laws of your country? Can you have a 10-hour workday with a 1-hour lunch break? If possible, then you may try reducing it. Possibly, late coming could result from weariness caused by long working hours. Just check whether productivity increases by reducing the number of working hours. From a business point of view, having productive and committed staff is important rather than having human machines who occupy chairs for 'x' hours.
Engaging with Staff for Solutions
Last but not least, have you checked with your staff on how to solve this late coming problem? Have a meeting with them and conduct a brainstorming session. Possibly, a few better ideas may emerge.
Thanks,
Dinesh V Divekar
From India, Bangalore
Handling Employees' Late Coming
There are two things to consider when handling employees' late arrivals. It depends on the nature of your business within IT.
Flexitime for Software Developers
Do you develop any software? If yes, then for software developers, you need not bind them to certain hours. You may offer them the facility of flexitime. Whenever they report, they can perform their duties for 'x' hours. In India, this method is widely prevalent in the IT sector.
Punctuality in Service Organizations
If you are in a service organization where direct or indirect customer interaction is present, then punctuality is most important. You may have shifts within the daytime, i.e., someone comes at 0800 hours, 0900 hours, and 1000 hours, etc. Early comers will leave early, etc.
Work Hours and Labor Laws
By the way, how are the hours of work prescribed as per the labor laws of your country? Can you have a 10-hour workday with a 1-hour lunch break? If possible, then you may try reducing it. Possibly, late coming could result from weariness caused by long working hours. Just check whether productivity increases by reducing the number of working hours. From a business point of view, having productive and committed staff is important rather than having human machines who occupy chairs for 'x' hours.
Engaging with Staff for Solutions
Last but not least, have you checked with your staff on how to solve this late coming problem? Have a meeting with them and conduct a brainstorming session. Possibly, a few better ideas may emerge.
Thanks,
Dinesh V Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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