Case Study - Punctuality and Work Terms

At Neil’s Co-op work placement, he had a flextime policy. I feel that Neil abused this policy by showing up at 7:45am one day, 9:30am the next day and leaving no later than 5pm as well as taking longer than normal lunch breaks. If Neil shows up at 9:30am and leaves no later than 5pm, that is not working a full 8-hour shift that would be expected from a job especially a Co-op working placement. I disagree with the way Neil answered his boss when asked about coming in as late as 9:30 because he should not be following the other employees who work at the company. Neil also does not see what time the other employees leave if they come into work later than he does. He also should not be following the other employees with their lunch break as he is not a full-time employee and is only there for four months. Being punctual not only refers to being on time for work, meetings and appointments but also is a means of showing you are ready and prepared upon arrival. Punctuality shows organization, time management, travel planning, commitment to the job and being professional while respecting your boss and fellow colleagues. I feel that Neil should have taken the initiative to ask for clearer guidelines with his boss rather than showing up at whatever time he likes. He also should show diligence and make it a routine to come in at the same time everyday. His boss should also make a memo or note to his other employees that Neil is a Co-op student and will be working a set amount of hours per day throughout the week so that other employees can hold him accountable. Perhaps, Neil’s boss could establish a buddy system with another employee who can role model and encourage punctuality. If Neil was my employee, I would feel as if Neil is careless and disrespectful to my company with his punctuality. As a Co-op student, Neil is an ambassador to the school and should be taking the job seriously and professionally as both an employee and as a student. Neil needs the company to help him gain more experience to apply his knowledge in the workplace, however the company does not necessarily need him and can easily replace him.