05.13.2008 — Tardiness was a problem for Jackson, Mich.-based Comtronics, until it came up with a tardy policy that works.

Elaine Lewis, alarm center supervisor, explains the policy. “If you are late coming to work, the amount of time will be added up daily,” she says.

“When the total has reached 15 minutes, you will get a verbal warning/write-up. If you are late for another 15 minutes, you will lose your bonus.”

The bonus is a monthly incentive check employees can earn for being on time.

“It is $1 per hour for every hour worked, $2 per hour on the weekends. So, if you worked 40 hours Monday to Friday [over] four weeks, you’d get $160. But you would lose that if tardiness accumulated to more than 30 minutes per month.

“If you are late for another 15 minutes after losing your bonus, you will be put on a 90-day probation,” Lewis explains.

“If you receive any write-ups during this time period, including being late, you will face possible termination.”