Sometimes, it is just too tempting to remain in your cosy bed, particularly when it is still dark outside. However, before you know it, you’ve snoozed your alarm 5 times and now you really are late for work. But how are you going to explain this to your boss and keep your halo intact?
Don’t panic – we share some of the best excuses for being late to work. So finish that coffee and keep reading.
Best Late for Work Excuses – Our Top Picks
When will we learn that drinks on a school night aren’t big and it isn’t clever? Also, since when was it ever just going to be one or two drinks? Or, maybe you were so tired that you simply slept through your alarm.
On a serious note though, punctuality in the workplace is important. It makes you dependable, and responsible and your boss will know you are committed. Inevitably though, there are going to be days you are late. Sometimes the real reason might not wash well with your employer.
Whatever your reason for staring at the clock in panic mode, we have your back. Here are some of the best excuses for being late.
If you’re already in the office – our guide has 20 good reasons why you need to leave work early today!
Family Emergency Excuses
Family comes first every time and if you have a sudden family emergency then this takes precedence.
Most employers will understand such reasons for being late, or even unable to make it in. Compassion goes a long way in the workplace and builds up a positive bond between the boss and the staff.
It might be that you are a carer for a family member and have been called at short notice. Or perhaps someone has been taken ill and you are needed at the hospital. If you have children and they are poorly, this is a valid excuse for being late. We all know how manic mornings are without the added pressure of a poorly child.
It might be a sensitive matter, such as a family member on the end of life care. You do not have to go into massive detail with your boss. Just a quick explanation of why you will be late and your boss will take it from there.
Staff permitting, they may suggest you have the day off or work from home. Especially if it’s for an unpredictable event and you cannot commit to a time of getting in.
Family emergencies may include:
- An accident.
- Hospital visit.
- Very ill family member.
- Childcare issues.
- You are a family carer.
- A family member is in labour.
- A family death.
- The child was taken poorly at nursery or school.
- A car accident.
Excuses to Work from Home
Hmm, so you aren’t just late now, you are spectacularly late with bells on!
It might be best, at this point, to admit to yourself that you aren’t making it in today. With remote learning an integral part of working life since the pandemic, you could offer up this solution. It will still make you sound like a responsible employer but means you won’t turn up a hot mess.
This excuse can fit in with plenty of scenarios. From car trouble to bad weather, it is a way of still working but without the commute. Not all employers allow remote learning of course, but it is worth the ask. It is just as easy to take calls and answer emails from the comfort of your home.
Some great excuses to work from home are:
- My car won’t start.
- The road is blocked due to an accident.
- The ice is lethal underfoot.
- You have a sick child to contend with.
- You are waiting for an important call.
- Gas leak
- Water leak
- Waiting for delivery and it is late.
- Childcare has fallen through.
- You are ill.
Bad Traffic or Car Trouble
Many people have a considerable commute on their hands daily. Sometimes things happen outwith our control such as road congestion.
If you are stuck on the motorway, going nowhere fast then it is best to let your boss know. When there is a road blockage, you just cannot predict how long you will be sitting there.
Employers understand that some staff have a fair way to travel and should make allowances for this. If your commute is a fairly long one, it pays to have a look before leaving to check for road congestion on the route you need to use.
You Feel Unwell
Another plausible reason for being late is if you woke up feeling rotten.
During the mad morning rush, it is hard to know how you will feel once you are up and about. In this situation, giving your boss the heads up is always wise.
Something along the lines of ‘I have woken up feeling lousy so I’m going to see how I feel shortly’. This gives your employer the nudge that you are going to be late but also that you might have to call in sick.
You don’t need to go into huge detail, your boss doesn’t need to know you are ringing from the loo. Just a simple call with the promise of following up soon enough. Illness happens to us all and sometimes it is hard to judge how bad we feel first thing in the morning. Once you are up and about is a good time to judge if you are up to work or not.
The most common illnesses that make people late for work are:
- An upset tummy.
- Feeling sick.
- Morning sickness.
- Bad headache.
- Earache.
- Anxiety.
- Stress.
- Pulled muscle.
You Have Overslept
Not the most imaginative excuse granted, but it is honest.
Everyone oversleeps at some point. Sleeping issues affect much of the population from time to time. Calling in as soon as you realise you will be late will be much appreciated by your boss. You might have to miss out on your morning coffee but at least you’ll make it in.
If you have REALLY overslept then you’ll need to decide on the best course of action. Be honest and say you will work from home as it is too late to come on, sounding extremely bashful. Or, tell a little white ‘family emergency’ lie.
Bad Weather
The UK weather can be a little unpredictable during all seasons. Whether it is ice, snow, wind, or torrential rain, it can prove disruptive to our normal routine.
Bad weather accounts for many people being unable to make it to work on time. Your boss should understand that things such as the weather are just out of your control. As long you let your boss know as soon as humanly possible then that is all you can do.
Bad weather scenarios include:
- Torrential rain causing localised flooding.
- Black ice makes it dangerous on the roads.
- Deep snow is playing havoc with the traffic.
- Gale force winds impacting travel routes.
- Childcare or school closing due to severe weather.
- Frozen pipes.
You Forgot Something
Halfway to work and you’ve only gone and forgotten those important documents you left on the side.
Quick U turn and back home it is then. Only retrace your steps if you must have those documents today. The morning madness can sometimes make us forget our minds, let alone other important items. Just remember to make that call to your boss when it is safe to do so.
Not going to be easy if it was your phone you left behind though…
Having An Appointment
Always a plausible excuse to use, you will be late as you need to try and make an emergency appointment.
This could include; the dentist, doctors, vets or hospital. Again, you do not need to go into detail, especially if it makes you uncomfortable doing so. Most employers understand how emergency appointments work and will understand your being late.
Just don’t use this excuse too often. If you have children then this exact situation will crop up from time to time. Nursery settings will insist on a diagnosis before they decide whether or not they can attend.
How Best to Deliver Excuses When You’re Going to be Late
Even the perfect employee has those bad days and being late happens from time to time.
If you are lucky then you have the most understanding of bosses who shrugs it off as one of those things. Or, you might need to work a little harder to find that compassion from your boss.
One way to ensure you earn a few brownie points in your current predicament is to communicate well. Your workplace will have a policy in place for reporting absences and lateness. Be sure to follow this policy in terms of letting your boss know. This may mean a phone call or an email, or both.
Timing is everything about letting the boss know you are running late. If something serious has happened, all thoughts of work may slip your mind. As soon as you have a moment, be sure to call your boss. Failing this, get someone to call them on your behalf.
Follow our tips below for delivering your excuses for being late:
- Communicate as per company policy.
- Let your boss know as soon as possible.
- Be clear and to the point, with no added fluff.
- Offer an apology and sound sincere.
- Should you be unable to call, ask someone else to.
- Be careful not to overuse excuses.
- Honesty is best, where possible.
- Offer to make up the time.
Excuses NOT To Use When You Are Running Late
The more elaborate the excuse, the less believable it generally becomes. Keep it real.
So try and hold off thinking of a very unique and imaginative excuse, it’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Admittedly, there will be a very strange or humorous reason for being late but more often than not, these excuses shouldn’t be used.
Let’s take a look at some of the crazy reasons people give for being late:
- There were cows on the motorway (granted this can happen).
- I had to wait until my coffee was cool enough to drink.
- My star sign suggested I take a slow start to my day.
- I got in my car and fell asleep on the drive, oops.
- Someone told me today was a bank holiday.
- My dog looked sad so I gave him extra cuddles.
- It was too peopley outside so I waited a while.
None of these are a great idea. If you are considering using them, then perhaps honesty is the best policy after all.
You’ll come out looking better if you just say you slept in!
