What should an employee do if they're going to be late for work?

The correct approach for an employee who anticipates being late for work is to call ahead of time. This practice is important for maintaining clear communication with management and ensuring that the team can adjust for the employee's absence during their shift. By calling in advance, the employee shows professionalism and respect for their workplace, allowing the manager to make any necessary adjustments to staffing or operations.

Calling allows for a direct and immediate conversation, where the employee can provide relevant details about their situation. This proactive behavior is favored over simply notifying the manager upon arrival because it gives the management team time to prepare and respond appropriately to the staffing needs of the day. Text messaging may not be as effective, as it may not be checked immediately or could lack the urgency that a phone call conveys. Waiting until the shift starts is not advisable, as it could disrupt team operations and lead to further delays or planning issues.