Req. assistance: How to deal with managment who WON'T discipline co-worker for consistent tardiness?

Question

A co-worker of mine is anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours late EVERY SINGLE DAY, and I have talked to my superiors about this and requested that something be done, but nothing ever is, and I don't understand why.

My manager finally came up with a lame answer of company protocol. However, I feel that this was in an effort to get us - those offended by the other person's actions - to shut up about it.

Should I go over my boss's head and get a General Manager involved? By doing this, I fear that the "back-lash" would be great.

Personally, I think the individual should be fired due to excessive tardiness, as well as management for not doing anything about it.

What would you suggest be done?

Answer 1

I suggest that you accept that, for whatever reason, management will not do anything about this employee. They could be lazy. He could be blackmailing them. He could be the big boss' son. Who knows?

Does his tardiness affect your ability to do your job? If so, continue to document the problem. If not, just do your job. Either way, start looking for a new one. This company is obviously poorly managed. If tardiness is not punished, it is also likely that hard work is not rewarded.

Answer 2

I suggest you mind your business. Unless that person's tardiness has a direct effect on the work that you do, it is not your concern. It is possible that there are personal reasons for the tardiness that you are not aware of but your supervisor is. If you and your co-workers are getting offended, that's a choice you have made. You can just as easily make the choice not to let it bother you.
If you go whining over your supervisor's head, you will regret it. You will not ever have a chance for promotion.

Answer 3

I'd stay out of it. You really don't know what it going on beyond seeing that they are coming in at a different time than you. There could be something that was arranged with management because of personal reasons. In any case you need to leave it be. It is management's responsibility to discipline the employees - not yours. It can only cause trouble. BTW, there could be some coworkers of yours who have an issue with you. You probably wouldn't want them dictating to management what they think should be done to you.

Answer 4

Some people are on commission and it doesn't matter when they come in. If they're on a time clock, the management is aware of their tardiness. If you are having to cover for this person being late, you could refuse to do assignments with them.

Answer 5

By explaining details over your bosses head will protect you...and perhaps move you up. Companies want to make money and not support a lame duck.

Good luck

Answer 6

I have to agree with Poebet, its not your concern and you will get yourself in hot water focusing on it.
You need to ignore it and do your work. You have no clue as to that persons agreements with their situation. The top boss could have made arrangements to allow this person to be late. You need to show that you can work despite the distractions.

Answer 7

Mind your own business. I'm sure you do something at work that's not within protocol and it probably ticks off your co-worker but you're so busy meddling.

Answer 8

While most of what everyone has said is true, if it really irritates you but you are leery of repercussions, I would send an anonymous letter or note to the company's owner.

Answer 9

you've done what you could at this point. just let it go and MYOB from her on out. it's more detrimental for your arteries to restrict every time you give in to your anger et al. plus, you don't sign their pay check anyway.

Answer 10

go over your managers head and talk to his boss/supervisor. but sometimes you'll get yourself in deeper bull$hit, depending on if your supervisor is closer to his/her supervisor. You might just get yourself fired. honestly i don't know.