TIMEKEEPING AND RELIABILITY........If you are a business owner or hiring manager, are you getting frustrated with poor timekeeping and reliability?

TIMEKEEPING AND RELIABILITY........If you are a business owner or hiring manager, are you getting frustrated with poor timekeeping and reliability?

You are not alone! I and a colleague were discussing this the other day. We've noticed a few clients saying the same thing.

“I actually want someone to turn up and be on time!”, or something of that ilk.

Yes, hard to believe this is the bar to entry in a new role.
(These were looking for apprentices, however, I am sure the issues are becoming more prevalent).

This is important, as its reliability demonstrates respect, builds trust with colleagues/personally and ensures important responsibilities are fulfilled in the role.

So what's happening? It's likely to be a combination of factors:

Flexible cultures in work, education and life can lower standards.

Low candidate numbers and high vacancies mean it’s relatively easy historically to find another role. An abundance of options, especially in entry-level roles, can lower any concerns of job loss.

In an instant society, it’s easy to lose the value of timekeeping, reliability and discipline.

Plus, many I’m sure I have missed…..

As a hiring manager, you can’t mitigate the risks completely, but don’t forget, you have a 3-month probation period for protection. What else can you do?:

The application and interview process should be easy to apply for, and easy to educate candidates on your role (attract talent), but hard to be successful, with tests of timekeeping and discipline.

Sit down and be clear about your expectations from the start of any role and the reasons why. Reiterate with consequences if required and work to educate your staff.

Share a positive vision of a career in your company, once they have mastered these basics, with continued development and growth.

Set standards throughout the business in all areas – environment, dress, work expectations, and customer care not just in the issue at hand.

If you need any advice on a particular situation or help setting up interview structures, please feel free to reach out.