Writing a Reprimand Letter for Tardiness (with Sample)
Use this sample reprimand letter for tardiness as a template for your formal reprimand letter.
Last updated on July 27th, 2022
Reprimanding an employee is not an easy job. There are a couple ways that disciplinary action takes place, either verbal or written. Most companies have a procedure in place and usually start with a verbal warning and then escalate to a written form.
This written reprimand served the employee with official notice that their job performance is not up to company standards. Usually, a reprimand is followed by some sort of coaching that allows the employee to know what is expected and how to correct their actions.
Disciplinary Steps
Because today’s society is sue happy, this letter also serves as documentation that backs the employer’s decision to release the worker from their responsibilities, should it be necessary.
This written reprimand served the employee with official notice that their job performance is not up to company standards. Usually, a reprimand is followed by some sort of coaching that allows the employee to know what is expected and how to correct their actions.
Disciplinary Steps
Because today’s society is sue happy, this letter also serves as documentation that backs the employer’s decision to release the worker from their responsibilities, should it be necessary.
Disciplinary steps are part of an employer’s way to mold an employee into a valuable worker, or to discharge them with good legal cause. Many employers find that this using the disciplinary action steps helps them to retain good employees.
Each company will have their own disciplinary procedures and employee reprimands that are utilized. Even within the company, the reprimand may be dependent upon the type of offense that has been done.
If it is basic non-performance, this would classify as ground for standard disciplinary process. However, if an employee steals or cheats the company, this may be grounds for immediate dismissal and no written warning is needed.
Each company will have their own disciplinary procedures and employee reprimands that are utilized. Even within the company, the reprimand may be dependent upon the type of offense that has been done.
If it is basic non-performance, this would classify as ground for standard disciplinary process. However, if an employee steals or cheats the company, this may be grounds for immediate dismissal and no written warning is needed.
If an employee fails to perform their job at the appropriate level, then disciplinary action is warranted. The employer should write a letter stating the specifics of the offense and also make sure to outline the policy and where the written rule violation language is located.
Company Handbook Policies
Always be sure to include company handbook policies for reference. Some employers will copy the exact section into their letter or attach a page with their warning letter. While most employees don’t try to fight the handbook, a signed acknowledgement upon hire can help enforce their knowledge of said policies.
While the letter should have proper verbiage and contain dates and violations, it should also have an area for the employee to sign. This protects the employer should there be cause to bring up the information at a later date.
Company Handbook Policies
Always be sure to include company handbook policies for reference. Some employers will copy the exact section into their letter or attach a page with their warning letter. While most employees don’t try to fight the handbook, a signed acknowledgement upon hire can help enforce their knowledge of said policies.
While the letter should have proper verbiage and contain dates and violations, it should also have an area for the employee to sign. This protects the employer should there be cause to bring up the information at a later date.
Sample Reprimand Letter for Tardiness
Name of Employer
Name of Company or Business
Address of Business
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Employee
Position of Employee in the Business
Address of Employee
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Formal Reprimand Letter
Dear Name of Employee:
This letter is to serve as an official written reprimand for an incident that happened on [DATE]. On this said date, you were one hour late to work and violated company policy. You had no written reason for being late and advised your supervisor that you overslept.
This is to serve as a written warning, as you have already been giving a verbal warning in the past two weeks. We expect all employees to come to work on time and to be ready to work.
We value attendance and consider it to be a significant factor in your position. Our goal is to service our customers with quick and effective service, and your attendance problems are not acceptable. Because we are an installation company, we had to rearrange our route for the day to accommodate your tardiness.
Because of your late arrival to work, we had to have someone else step in and cover routes to make up for the missed service call. We tried to call you several times to no avail, and we were not even sure you were going to show up for the day.
Our employees must be dependable, as our customers depend on their prompt arrival to their schedule appointments. This is a disservice to our customers and to the employees who are covering for you. The employee that covered for you on both occasions is now into overtime hours.
This is not the first time that we have had this issue with you being tardy. Absenteeism was a problem in the recent past and it seems that the verbal counseling has not been effective. Consequently, this will be the only further notice you will receive regarding this matter. Proper attendance and being on time is necessary for the overall functioning of our company.
Please sign and date below, as a copy will be placed in your personnel file.
Signature of Employer
Printed Name of Employer
Name of Company or Business
By Andre Bradley
Interesting Finds
Sample Reprimand Letter for Tardiness
Name of Employer
Name of Company or Business
Address of Business
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Employee
Position of Employee in the Business
Address of Employee
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Formal Reprimand Letter
Dear Name of Employee:
This letter is to serve as an official written reprimand for an incident that happened on [DATE]. On this said date, you were one hour late to work and violated company policy. You had no written reason for being late and advised your supervisor that you overslept.
This is to serve as a written warning, as you have already been giving a verbal warning in the past two weeks. We expect all employees to come to work on time and to be ready to work.
We value attendance and consider it to be a significant factor in your position. Our goal is to service our customers with quick and effective service, and your attendance problems are not acceptable. Because we are an installation company, we had to rearrange our route for the day to accommodate your tardiness.
Because of your late arrival to work, we had to have someone else step in and cover routes to make up for the missed service call. We tried to call you several times to no avail, and we were not even sure you were going to show up for the day.
Our employees must be dependable, as our customers depend on their prompt arrival to their schedule appointments. This is a disservice to our customers and to the employees who are covering for you. The employee that covered for you on both occasions is now into overtime hours.
This is not the first time that we have had this issue with you being tardy. Absenteeism was a problem in the recent past and it seems that the verbal counseling has not been effective. Consequently, this will be the only further notice you will receive regarding this matter. Proper attendance and being on time is necessary for the overall functioning of our company.
Please sign and date below, as a copy will be placed in your personnel file.
Signature of Employer
Printed Name of Employer
Name of Company or Business
By Andre Bradley
Interesting Finds