If You Have Trouble Being on Time, Try This!

One no-no that’s often frowned upon at work? Tardiness. This repeated lateness - whether it is coming to work way after 9am or handing in your project past the deadline - often lands you in a chat with your manager or HR, simply because being late once too many says heaps about your commitment (or lack off!).

Let’s face it though, mastering the art of punctuality is easier said than done for many. The good news? It's a skill that can be cultivated through conscious effort and strategic approaches. Here's a quick guide on how to train yourself to be consistently punctual in the workplace.

Clock in Early with a Structured Morning Routine
Can’t seem to get to work on time? Try establishing a consistent daily routine! Wake up at the same time each day (don’t forget to set your alarm to help you with this!) as this can help your body clock to naturally wake you up when it’s time to rise and shine. Account for how much time you need to get ready and travel to your office. Make sure to include morning rituals, commute, and any unforeseen circumstances. This way, even with bumps along the way, you’ll still clock in on time. And when you do this often enough, getting to work when you’re supposed to (with not a minute to spare) will be something you can do naturally.

Manage Deadlines with Good Time Management
Can’t seem to meet all your different deadlines? Try and adopt effective time management tools! You can use calendars, planners, or productivity apps to organise tasks and deadlines so you’ll constantly be reminded of your deadlines in advance. This will give you ample time to prepare and deliver promptly. Too many meetings to attend? Sync your schedule with your calendar app so you’ll receive pop-up notifications when it’s time - no more “Oops, I forgot about that meeting!” moments.

Hiccups Are Inevitable
But that doesn’t mean you can’t meet your deadlines or get to where you need to be on time. When going somewhere, don’t give yourself “just enough time” to make it there. Anticipate potential delays, especially in transit. Plan to leave earlier than necessary to compensate for these variables.

You might also experience hiccups while completing tasks. This is when a strategic approach can be a lifesaver. You can start by breaking down your task into smaller, manageable parts and set mini deadlines along the way. Think of it as a check-in at the important stages of your task so when the time comes, you’re all set.

It’s Not Just About You
Understand how your timeliness shapes the team vibe and your work relationships. Being late isn't just about your own productivity, it throws others off their game too. Think about the hassle it causes your colleagues or clients when you're not on time. Feeling that impact can really amp up your dedication to being punctual. Everyone's time is precious; you never know what's on their plate!

Aim To Be Better!
Reflect on your punctuality habits - why are you always late to work? Are you always binging on Netflix late at night and then sleeping through your alarm in the morning? When it comes to delivering work on top, do you have a serious case of procrastinating? Reflecting on this and how it impacts your performance at work can help you plan better towards being punctual, both literally and figuratively!

What are some of your tips for punctuality? Share them with us @Graduan!

Photo by Luke Chesser on Unsplash.