Late For Work And Got A Punishment

[boona]

Hello everyone, one morning last wk our town woke up to thick ice and slippery roads, it was a morning when I start work at 8.30am and I drop my daughter off at school beforehand. I got up at the same time but then rushed as much as I could once I saw the weather to get ready to leave early. Anyway after unfreezing my car and driving ever so slowly plus being held up by two minor accidents (other people) I got to work 3 mins late. I apologised straight away and explained it was due to the ice. Today I got pulled into the office and was given what they call a DDR.. it is a documented record that I was late and I that if it happened again I would get a disciplinary. I have worked for this dept 8yrs and the company for 11yrs and I can't recall being late once before. I feel really saddened by this and quiet upset especially given the reason why I was late and I am just wondering if anyone else would have been bothered by this and if not then why am I being so sensitive?

[Rockrose]

As a previous call centre manager I expected my staff to be sat at their desk with headphones on, ready to take calls at their due start time. To turn up 3 minutes late means in real terms your probably 15 minutes late.
Having said that there will be either HR or a senior manager you can go too and appeal your case.

[boona]

EDDIE51 we are expected to be ready and logged onto our computers on time therefore expected to arrive a little earlier to do this. I don't have a problem with that and I was late a few times I would expect to be told however I just think this is totally unfair and I actually feel like looking for another job.

[EDDIE51]

Do you work in 'Customer Service' or similar? If so it is normal.
A 'service' desk is supposed to be up and running spot on time, not a few minutes later. I worked for one such place and we had to be 'at our desks & logged on' 10 mins before the official opening time or we lost 1/2 an hour pay.

[boona]

I am not disputing being in early, I am early everyday. I just would of thought that for someone who is never late and then only late once due to severe ice it is a bit harsh. I would expect if it happens regular but not a one off.

[Patsy33]

People don't seem to be rewarded /respected, for conscientiousness these days. The minute you appear to go against the rule book, through genuine, understandable misfortunes, then they're down on you like a ton of bricks! No wonder people are sad/ anxious...

[Cloverjo]

It's very unfair, but that's what call centres are like. Everyone is under pressure from their superiors.

I was once late for work by a couple of minutes because I accepted a lift from a colleague who was notoriously unreliable for time, and I was docked half an hour's wage.

It's not your fault, and they should appreciate your efforts. You should find a company that appreciates you.

[vulcan42]

" You should find a company that appreciates you."
Exactly, there is a lot of talk about loyalty to the company who employ you, there's nothing ever mentioned about loyalty shown to employees. It should be a two way gesture, the employers seem to forget that without the employees they wouldn't make any money.

[boona]

Thankyou for all your replies, the situation doesn't sit right with me. Not because I think I am above others and I should be able to come in late but because it has made me look at this in a way where I feel totally unapreaciated. I would like to address my issue with HR, it won't be revoked but I just feel like I should log my grievance. Is there anyone that can help me word this, I don't want to come across as petty

[murraymints]

for attn of HR

It saddens me to put this on record , but I feel I must.
I have worked for this company for 11 years now, 8 of which in this dept(put dept name here).

In that time I have never been late in attending and have proved myself to be a loyal and committed member of staff.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, exceptionally bad and dangerous weather conditions on (put in date), I arrived 3 mins late, I apologised and explained my reasons at the time, however I found I was served a DDR and warned of potential disciplinary measures.

Given my excellent record for attendance, I consider this action to be somewhat harsh and I feel that my normal high standards and loyalty to this place count for nothing, moreover I feel saddened that my usual very good work record is unappreciated and now tarnished over a situation that I had no control over.

I would appreciate you reconsider this action and restore my work record to its previous unblemished condition.

[boona]

Thankyou for your help.

[murraymints]

my pleasure ..good luck x

[boona]

So today I approached my manager and basically told him the above statement. (I thought I would raise it with him before HR) He said that he thought I had over reacted a little and that I had took it to heart but he did apologise and he has removed it from my file. He said the DDR wasn't handled very well.

[Cloverjo]

Well that's good boona. Well done for not just taking it.

[retrocop]

Well done Minty. xx

[murraymints]

aww.. that is good to hear xx

[MallyJ]

Jolly good...well done you and murraymint