"Workers need to understand their company's policies on tardiness, and if they are late, make sure they openly communicate with their managers. Employers have heard every excuse in the book, so honesty is the best policy."
Traffic tops the list for tardy excuses with 33 percent of respondents. Other reasons include: lack of sleep, day care, getting kids ready for school, public transportation, wardrobe problems and pet issues.
Hiring managers have heard ridiculous excuses for being late. Here are some examples from employees:
-- My heat was shut off so I had to stay home to keep my snake warm.
-- My husband thinks it's funny to hide my car keys before he goes to work.
-- I got locked in my trunk by my son.
-- A gurney fell out of an ambulance and delayed traffic.
-- I was attacked by a raccoon and had to stop by the hospital to make sure it wasn't rabid.
-- I feel like I am in everyone's way if I show up on time.
-- A groundhog bit my bike tire and made it flat.
-- My left turn signal was out, so I had to make all right turns to get to work.
-- My driveway washed away in the rain last night.
-- My father didn't wake me up.
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