Q&A: Taming team member tardiness

First, ask yourself what expectations you've set for the position, says Dr. Christine Merle, MBA, CVPM, executive director of VetPartners and consultant with the Brakke Veterinary Practice Management Group. Did you make it clear that team members are expected to be on time-and what constitutes punctuality? How was this communicated to the employee? Also, make sure to hold everyone to the same expectations-veterinarians and managers included.

Next, document the employee's transgressions and review any previous disciplinary actions. Is the employee aware that she's arriving late? If not, review the issue with her and make sure she understands the ramifications of her actions. Explain the impact on patients, clients, and the practice if team members arrive late. Not everyone understands the connection between their actions and the impact on others.