Punctuality is supremely important in the North American workplace. Punctuality means you meet deadlines, start work on time and return to work on time after breaks. Being punctual says a lot about your respect for other people and the standards you set for yourself.
It is a sign of respect to your employer, colleagues, and clients to arrive within the minute they expect you. The saying, “Time is money” still holds true. When people are late, they slow down the productivity of everyone expecting them. In my own experience, I am hesitant to start another task while waiting on another person. This might mean that I work later in the day to complete unfinished tasks. It becomes an even larger problem if a deadline is unmet because of someone’s tardiness. If you return late from breaks, it breaks the trust that your employer has with you and it suggests you don’t respect your employer.
Being punctual indicates you set standards for yourself. Punctuality suggests that you are organized and set priorities. If you know you have an early meeting and you are uncertain of the time you need to commute and park, you drive there and find the parking lot on the weekend a few days ahead. You set out your clothing and pack your lunch the night before.
Making punctuality a top priority means you leave room in your schedule to get tasks done early. When it comes to deadlines, it’s stressful for you to work right up to the wire and you risk turning in work late.
In North America, it is not just the workplace that requires punctuality. Professors can refuse to accept late assignments. My dentist sends emails two weeks in advance of appointments and expects a confirmation. Late clients are billed an extra fee.
Although most people accept being late because of an extreme personal emergency, a car break-down, or traffic, they still have an expectation that you will at least make an effort to arrive on time. If you are still at home, call and leave a message. If you are stuck in traffic, a hands-free phone is useful. Text messages can get missed and there is nothing worse than someone wondering if you are going to show up.
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Barb De Wit
