I’m a 32F manager in retail. I’m one of those people who likes to show up about 10 minutes early to my shift. I’ll clock in a few minutes early too, just so I can get settled and actually start my day without rushing. I’m also usually on the phone with my adopted older brother on my way to work, which helps me mentally prepare before walking in.
Some of my coworkers, though, show up anywhere from one to three hours late on a regular basis. Not occasionally I mean constantly. And when they’re late, the work they were supposed to do just falls on whoever is actually there, which is usually me or the other dependable people.
Since I’m part of management, I’ve brought it up to the store manager, but she just brushes it off like it’s not a big deal. No write-ups, no talks, no accountability.
Here’s the part that really gets to me:
I’ve been talked to for being early.
Not late – early.
Because I clock in a little early. Meanwhile people stroll in two hours after their shift starts and nothing happens.
So basically:
I clock in early –I get talked to
Coworkers show up 1–3 hours late –nothing happens
I’m the one left scrambling because the store still has to run
I mentioned to another coworker that it bothers me, and they said I’m being dramatic and that I care too much.
But honestly? I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect people to show up even close to their scheduled time. And it feels pretty unfair that the people who actually show up are the ones who get corrected.
So… am I the asshole for being irritated about all of this?
Sounds like it’s time for some malicious compliance- clock in exactly on time, and then get settled in and continue to not rush. If they complain about you not being on the sales floor right at your shift’s start, just tell them that that’s impossible, given that you were told to clock in and not do any work before then.
NTA but also you’re creating your own frustration. There is no reward for doing extra for a manager like yours.
The issue is retail. See you are using common sense and that mixes with retail like oil and water
You aren’t wrong at all for being upset about your coworkers, that’s ridiculous. If it happens once in a while I would assume there’s a reason that you aren’t privy to, if it happens every day that’s a different story.
That said, you’re a manager. Do you deal with your employees hours and schedule? If you do you know there are set hours available. If you clock in 10 minutes early 5 days a week, that’s over an hour and a half more hours a pay period than was allotted, or 43 extra hours a year. I can definitely see having a conversation about that as well as a conversation with the person who is always late.
Stop scrambling to make the store run, they don’t pay you enough for that. Clocking in 5 mins early is fine, but I would understand them being upset if you’re regularly clocking in earlier than that as the hours add up over time and they don’t want to pay for hours they didn’t ask you to do.
Just clock in on time and work at a normal pace, don’t do any extra work. If things start going mad and people complain, just tell them you’re understaffed and they can lodge a complaint if they want. Once customers start complaining is when it will become a problem for the higher ups. Right now you’re covering for everyone who’s late so they don’t see an issue that needs fixing. Stop covering. Just do what you’re paid to do.
Stop covering for the two + people showing up late. Assign them tasks to do when they’re supposed to show up, and write them up when late. Submit to your manager AND the regional manager.
You clock in early which costs the company money. They clock in late which doesn’t cost the company money. Stop punching in early. Clock in when your shift begins. Easy.
Agreed. “Don’t clock in early” is actually a very standard and reasonable expectation for hourly workers. Those extra minutes can add up and might put you into overtime territory which can complicate payroll and benefits.
Employees showing up late is a separate issue and should be treated as such. Conflating these two things will be viewed as immature and unprofessional to corporate minded managers and HR. Not saying that’s ‘right’ per se, but it’s the way it is.
Stop clocking in early. The first few minutes off your shift are for you to get prepared for the day. You don’t need to take the extra time to do that. As far as the people showing up late it will eventually catch up to them. Just worry about yourself.
If you’re a manager, why aren’t you dealing with the employees who are chronically late yourself? If those above you don’t care that you’re understaffed as a result, find a new job.
You aren’t wrong but why on earth are you staying?
Why are these people still employed if they keep coming in 1-3 hours late?
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I just wanted to add I don’t clock in early because I’m trying to steal hours or look better than anyone. A lot of the time I get called in early by my store manager, and sometimes it’s literally just to get talked at or yelled at, so it puts me in a weird spot. One day I’m told to come in early, the next day I’m told I shouldn’t be clocking in early. It’s like mixed messages nonstop.
But I hear what people are saying about not giving the company free labor. I’m going to try just clocking in exactly on time and see what happens. I’m honestly curious if anyone will even notice, especially when others show up hours late and nothing gets said.
I’m not trying to be a martyr or “better” than anyone I’m just frustrated because the inconsistency makes it feel like I’m the only one who gets corrected while I’m also the one picking up the slack. But I appreciate the advice.
NTA but I’d look for another job, your management sucks if people can stroll in an hour late without repercussions.