Things Workers Really Say When They’re Late
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Time Challenged
23% of surveyed workers come to work late at least once a month, and 14% do so at least once a week. -
Suspicious Statements
Three out of 10 who have come in late for work said they've lied about the reason for their tardiness. -
Most Common Reasons Cited for Tardiness
Traffic: 50%, Lack of sleep: 30%, Bad weather: 26% -
Reasonable Position
33% of employers surveyed said they have no problem with occasional late arrivals, as long as they don't develop into a pattern. And 16% said they don't need employees to be punctual if they still get their work done. -
Ultimate Price
41% of employers have fired a staffer for being late. -
Outrageous Lateness Excuses: Clean Hit
"I knocked myself out in the shower." -
Outrageous Lateness Excuses: Breakfast of Champions
"I was drunk and forgot which Waffle House I parked my car next to." -
Outrageous Lateness Excuses: Herd Mentality
"A deer herd that was moving through town made me late." -
Outrageous Lateness Excuses: Due Process
"I had to wait for the judge to set my bail." -
Outrageous Lateness Excuses: Mindfully Engaged
"I'm not late … I was thinking about work on the way in."
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.