by Rachel Wood

Created on: March 24, 2009

We have all been late for work at one time or another. Sometimes it is inevitable no matter how hard we try. However there are employees out there who suffer with chronic lateness and regularly stroll into the office fifteen or twenty minutes after their start time. Not only can this get them into trouble, it can also breed resentment amongst the people who actually make it in on time. Nobody likes to get up early for their job but there are things you can do to help stop you being late.

Get two alarm clocks and set one for five minutes after the other in case you ignore the first one or sleep through it. It maybe worth getting one battery operated and one which plugs into the mains so if there is a power cut in the night you will still be woken up on time. If you live with somebody else who gets up at a similar time to you, ask them to poke their head into your room to make sure that you are awake.

Get everything ready the night before. Decide on your outfit and make sure it is dry and ironed. If you take in a packed lunch then make it before you go to bed or if you are buying lunch check that you have money on you so you don't have to rush to the cash point in the morning. Get any files or paperwork you need together and leave them somewhere you will be able to find them easily the next day for example next to your car keys or mobile phone.

If you drive, allow yourself plenty of time to get to work and learn some alternate routes in case there is ever an accident or road closure so you can make an easy diversion. If you use public transport work out what the latest bus or train you can possibly get is then take the one before. This way if you missed your planned stop you can still make it on time. Have a back up plan ready for if the car breaks down or your transport is cancelled. Always have the number of a taxi company with you. Find out if a neighbour or friend could drive you in an emergency. If you know that bad weather has been forecast for the next day allow yourself extra time by getting up and leaving earlier.

If you are unlucky enough to be held up, phone your manager as soon as possible. It shows good manners and will stop your colleagues from wondering where you are. If you are having a bad morning and are running behind then don't panic! Rushing around will only make things worse. Keep calm and just get into work as soon as you possibly can. Remember it happens to the best of us.

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