Late is never better

Tardiness will have a major strain on a business if left unchecked.

The problem often lies in poor motivational factors for employees who have a record of tardiness. This could be a case of employees losing respect and motivation because of their employer's inability to provide stringent rules and guidelines to the minority who persist on being late and, in turn, demotivate the workforce who have made effort to be on time.

It is vital for employers to demonstrate that tardiness is an issue of great concern. This can be demonstrated through emergency meetings where employees gather to hear the company's concerns and policies on tardiness at work and to present the employees with the reality of why it is such a problem to the business.

It is important that there are disciplinary measures introduced, which will ensure that employees regard the business' position seriously. This could be through a three-strike policy, which will basically mean if there has been three separate incidents of lateness without an adequate excuse, then there may be an interview with the employee in question and the necessary supervisor. During this interview, it is up to the discretion of the employer as to how they will handle the individual cases.

- Ian Ritchie, Managing director, RW Associates

- Peter Done, Managing director, Peninsula Business Services.