One of my most popular posts has been about what not to do when you arrive late to a meeting. And a friend asked me to write more about how to deal with being late to professional commitments. Specifically, she was wondering what to do when you are running more than 15 minutes late to work. Whether it is because you overslept, there are train delays, or you are just moving. so. slowly. and getting out the door is. just. not. happening, it’s important to consider the impacts of your eventual tardiness.

If you have the kind of job, where other people depend on you starting right on time, like a job in customer service, or one where there is always a morning meeting, then I would highly recommend sending that semi-embarrassing-but-happens-to-everyone text or email announcing your lateness and anticipated time of arrival. 

If others are not depending on you to arrive at a certain time, other than just to be on time, meaning, there are no meetings first thing in the morning, or you have a less client facing role, then announcing your lateness may not be necessary. This depends on a few factors: your boss’s preference and consideration for your team. If your boss is just focused on you getting the job done, and cares less about how and when, then as long as your work is completed, she may not need or want the emails about your tardiness. However, if she’s strict about clocking in on time, perhaps because she wants you to lead by example, or she’s just a stickler for promptness, I would send her that text or email as soon as you realize you’ll be late. 

As for your team, if they are dependent on you to get their jobs going, like if you need to open the front doors to your store, or if your office has supplies that they need for their day, it’s a good idea to let them know you’re on your way. This will prevent them from wondering and worrying. They’ll feel more oriented and in control of what’s going on around them. However, if your team operates independently and your start time doesn’t really impact them, I would say the text or email announcing your tardiness is not such a necessity. It’s nice, but may even be distracting if that information is irrelevant to them. 

In sum, I would separately consider informing your boss, and your team of employees if you are running more than a little bit late to work. And your decision should be based on how your timeliness impacts their work and needs. There is no one-size fits all model for this dilemma. Just some common sense consideration for others. What do you think? Do you agree?