Dear Career Advisor,

My department now has a new manager who is very demanding and is stressing us out. She is especially stringent about us getting to the office on time. We are professionals who do our jobs very well. In these days of flexible work arrangements, why can’t supervisors be more flexible?

Regards,

JJ

Dear JJ,

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. As a professional your work should not be characterised by any hint of poor work ethic and specifically that of poor punctuality.

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 conduct 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 bedhandbag or laptop case, phone and charger, 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 nights when possible.

· Wake up early. Tip: use two alarms; keep one some distance from your bed.

· Plan your route, taking note of traffic advisories.

· 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,

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president of student services at Northern Caribbean University in Manchester, Jamaica. Submit your questions to her at careeradvior@ncu.edu.jm