Must Read Blogs for HR Table of content:
Top 10 Weirdest Late-To-The-Office Excuses That Will Leave You In Splits!
Let's face it: running late happens. And most of us seek a believable excuse to give to the HR or our manager when such a situation arises. However, some brave souls take a different approach, with excuses so outlandishly unbelievable that they will have you question your sanity. Because who knows how to reply to the "I was dreaming that I was in the office and thus overslept" excuse?
So, buckle up, HR heroes, because we are entering the wild world of the weirdest ‘late to the office’ excuses ever uttered in the real world, by real employees. Let’s dig in.
Understand the future generation of talent better. Read the Unstop Talent Report 2024
Late Comer Hall of Fame: Weirdest Late-To-The-Office Excuses
Apparently, Rain/Snow/Wind Is An Old Excuse
Unexpected weather developments? You would think that after all these years of humanity dealing with weather changes, we would be better at navigating this whole 'getting to work on time' thing. However, maybe that's not always true. The award for the best excuse blaming the weather goes to:
"It was so foggy. Even the birds were walking. So it took me longer to reach."
Some ‘Pet’ Peeve?
You were all set for the day. But your pet threw a wrench into your perfectly well-oiled morning routine. Happens with most of the people with pets. Quite understandable. But amongst all pets-related excuses, the following excuse clearly stands out!
“My dog chewed through my charger overnight. My phone died, and my alarm didn’t go off.”
Holy Cow!
Let's be honest. Sometimes, the real reason behind being late is a bit more unconventional. We are not talking flat tyres here. Hold your breadth, because the award goes to:
“There was a cow that was blocking the road. I tried to reason with it, but it gave me a disdainful moo and refused to budge. Ended up having a standoff with it before finally finding a detour.”
Bad Shoe Day?
Forget the ‘I lost my shoe’ excuse. Buckle up for a better one. And this one is…
“I made it all the way to the parking lot before I realized I had two different shoes on. So I had to go back home and change.”
A ‘Little’ Misjudgement
This one is not so bad. In fact, this can happen to anybody……anybody driving with their eyes closed.
“I was super organized. I had the kids in the car, lunches made, and backpacks ready. We were on a roll, out on time, feeling invincible. Until I backed the car into the closed garage door.”
In another bizarre case, an employee came in late saying they ate their dog's food instead of breakfast cereals and had to puke it out of their system! (Guess someone took 'trying new things' to a whole new level!)
What Can Go Wrong Will Go Wrong!
Car troubles are often the go-to excuse for being late at work. Whether it's a sudden breakdown, a rogue nail deflating the tyre, or the dreaded realization that you have run out of gas, we have heard them all. However, this one is particularly interesting:
“My left turn signal was out, so I had to make all right turns to get to work. This took me longer.”
Just Everyday Problems!
We get it – the typical disasters like burning your shirt while ironing, the water shutting off mid-shower, or accidentally spilling morning tea on your laptop. But the excuses below? They deserve a standing ovation.
“I walked into a spider web on the way out the door and couldn't find the spider, so I had to go inside and shower again.”
AND save your laughter for this one....
"My false teeth flew out the window while driving down the highway." (That's one reason to keep your mouth shut while driving!)
Truth Hurts
Sometimes, a lie may work better than a truth bomb. Wonder how someone would react to this.
“I was late because of a job interview with another firm.”
The Fine Art of Balancing Wit and Wisdom in HR
Beyond jokes and laughs, excuses often reveal about the employee's state of mind than the actual circumstances. Whether it's a cry for flexible work arrangements, a plea for understanding, or simply a case of Monday blues, excuses provide valuable insights into the employee's psyche and workplace dynamics. Therefore, while HRs and managers may chuckle at the absurdity of some excuses, they must also approach them with empathy and discernment, recognizing the underlying issues that may need addressing. After all, a little laughter and understanding can go a long way in fostering a positive and supportive work cuture.
In the spirit of embracing excuses with a touch of humour and humanity, HR professionals can enhance their management skills by incorporating a few light-hearted tips. Encouraging open communication channels, offering flexible work arrangements, and supporting personal and professional development are just a few strategies to empower employees and mitigate the need for creative excuses.
By fostering a culture of trust, empathy, and collaboration, HR can transform excuses from obstacles into opportunities for building stronger, more resilient teams. After all, in the unpredictable dance of work and life, a sprinkle of humour and understanding can make all the difference.
(The responses used in the above article have been sourced from various online sources)
Suggested Reads: