Things Workers Really Say When They’re Late

If you think you've heard 'em all by now with regard to explanations for an employee's tardiness, then read on. CareerBuilder recently released the following list of outrageous late excuses from workers, as compiled from a survey. The list covers everything from household accidents to legal issues to alcohol-fueled evenings to, yes, even herds of deer blocking traffic. And while the off-the-wall quality of the excuses allows for a certain level of amusement, the topic speaks to a serious issue for organizations: Chronic lateness among professionals, as a surprisingly large number say they arrive past their designated starting time on a regular basis. They proceed at their own risk, as many managers consider such behavior a potentially fireable offense, more so than those who convey a more laid-back position. Nearly 2,200 U.S. hiring managers and HR professionals, in addition to more than 3,055 workers, took part in the research.