The office and lateness: how to avoid it
Lateness in the office is a problem that many businesses encounter with some employees, but in certain circumstances, not being punctual can degenerate until it causes not only the ire of the boss, but also resentment among colleagues.
On a psychological level, the chronic latecomer is a person who (in certain situations) arrives later than expected because he has a dysfunctional relationship with authority: he does not usually do it on purpose, but subconsciously his lateness is a manifestation of a sort of covert rebellion.
In the vast majority of cases, however, poor timekeeping is caused just by certain habits and unexpected events. Some people oversleep and don’t manage to get up at the right time, others get stuck in traffic or miss the bus.
Although getting to work by the agreed time can be difficult for some, it is essential that we make an effort to do so, because otherwise we may risk being viewed by others as disrespectful towards the team or the boss.
In order to avoid arriving at the office late we must use the alarm clock correctly: remember to set it every evening before going to sleep, and in the case of particularly deep sleepers, program different alarms to go off at short intervals.
Furthermore, it is essential to get a minimum of 7 or 8 hours’ sleep per night, so as to guarantee the body and mind sufficient rest and refreshment. Some people need considerably fewer hours, but in that case it is an individual matter.
Another thing to do in order to arrive at work on time is to cut down the tasks you do first thing in the morning to an absolute minimum: everything which can be done the previous evening should be done the previous evening.
No preparing your work bag or your lunch, no organising projects to be handed in or such like. When you get up to go to work, all you should do is get washed, dressed, have breakfast and prepare to face the day.
In addition, it is important to remember not to waste precious time on technology, such as Social Networks or chat. If you really can’t help but check these things, do it when you are already on the bus or when you get a quieter moment.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
