Dear Career Advisor:

I recently got into an argument with my supervisor after she made a remark about what she claimed is my lack of punctuality. I must confess that I was very upset for, although I do not always arrive at work at the stated time, I am there within half an hour (most times less) and I do my fair share of work and that is without question. Why can’t employers be flexible? It is really bothering me.

Yours truly,

Milton G.

While your employer will appreciate the quality and quantity of your work, your overall performance is more than a factor of the completion of specific tasks. In addition to work performance, you are evaluated by your commitment and your work ethic. Late arrival is a key indicator of poor work ethic. To be considered punctual, you should arrive at work before the contracted start time and be ready at your station to begin working at the agreed time. An occasional late arrival might be okay, however, arriving late on a continuous basis might lead to job loss. If you value your job security, instead of becoming defensive, do an immediate evaluation of the factors that contribute to your pattern of poor punctuality and take immediate steps to correct same.Here are a few suggestions that should help you to get to work on time:• Prepare your clothes from the night before.• Organise your ‘things-to-take’ before you go to bed, such as handbag or briefcase, phone, charger, and keys, and have them in one place.• If you drive, purchase fuel on weekends or the night before.• Plan your breakfast menu before you go to bed.• Do your household chores at night where possible.• Awake early. Use two alarms; keep one some distance from your bed.• Plan your route, taking note of traffic advisories if you live in a developed area.• Set a ‘no-distraction’ time zone during which you don’t take non-emergency calls, check social media, or watch television.• Develop a routine for your morning activities.• Commit to leaving home half an hour earlier than you normally would.Honestly evaluate how you utilise your time in the morning. Once you become aware of the things that are causing you to be late for work, you can take the steps to correct the situation before it leads to regret.Sincerely,

Dear Milton:

While your employer will appreciate the quality and quantity of your work, your overall performance is more than a factor of the completion of specific tasks. In addition to work performance, you are evaluated by your commitment and your work ethic. Late arrival is a key indicator of poor work ethic.

To be considered punctual, you should arrive at work before the contracted start time and be ready at your station to begin working at the agreed time. An occasional late arrival might be okay, however, arriving late on a continuous basis might lead to job loss. If you value your job security, instead of becoming defensive, do an immediate evaluation of the factors that contribute to your pattern of poor punctuality and take immediate steps to correct same.

Here are a few suggestions that should help you to get to work on time:

• Prepare your clothes from the night before.

• Organise your ‘things-to-take’ before you go to bed, such as handbag or briefcase, phone, charger, and keys, and have them in one place.

• If you drive, purchase fuel on weekends or the night before.

• Plan your breakfast menu before you go to bed.

• Do your household chores at night where possible.

• Awake early. Use two alarms; keep one some distance from your bed.

• Plan your route, taking note of traffic advisories if you live in a developed area.

• Set a ‘no-distraction’ time zone during which you don’t take non-emergency calls, check social media, or watch television.

• Develop a routine for your morning activities.

• Commit to leaving home half an hour earlier than you normally would.

Honestly evaluate how you utilise your time in the morning. Once you become aware of the things that are causing you to be late for work, you can take the steps to correct the situation before it leads to regret.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Marie Smith is interim assistant vice-president, Student Services, Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu.edu.jm