TO: Jane Doe, Software EngineerFROM: Adan Vasconcelos, Engineering Supervisor AV

SUBJECT: Importance of punctuality and recommendations for its improvementDATE: September 25, 2014

The purpose of this memo is to document prior conversations as well as to inform on the course of action should the behavior continue.

SummaryI will explain one more time about the importance of arriving on time and describe the consequences for your employment with this company. I will also recommend some steps you could take to improve.

DiscussionWe have recently discussed your late arrivals and the impact this behavior has on our company.

On our first conversation I asked what was the reason of your tardiness and you explained that you “got stuck in traffic.” Since it was the first time this occurred, I completely understood having being in that position myself, due to a detour or any other unexpected incident.

The second occasion that you arrived late you effusively interjected that the alarm did not sound, triggering a chain reaction: you could not get out of bed on time, you had to put gas in a hurry, the traffic was worse since it was later, etc. This time I objected that this was no excuse and you said that you would make sure that it did not happen again, by setting two alarms for example. I explained that when one person gets late, any other person from the same or other team that relies on this person's job, have to wait, often times wasting precious minutes.

Just a week ago, you were late again. On this instance you said that there was an accident involving multiple vehicles on the expressway and all the lanes were blocked. For the second time, I demurred that this was no excuse, and once again explained that your behavior is not only affecting you or your department, but also the company and its profitability. When projects get delayed, the software development life cycle (SDLC) gets altered. As a consequence, the company loses money, and some times, if a competitor comes up with a similar solution on a briefer scale, the company might lose customers.

Today, you arrived late anew. This time, I am not going to ask for reason. This memo will serve as the last warning. If the behavior on which you have incurred over the last weeks is not radically altered, your position within this company will be terminated.

RecommendationsGiven that you are otherwise a good employee, the following suggestions will help you attain your goal:

plan ahead◦ prepare clothing, meals, etc., at night◦ put gas the day before

sleep better◦ don't drink coffee after 3PM◦ go to bed earlier

get up on time◦ buy an alarm clock◦ use the phone's alarm as a backup

I expect a reply in writing to this memo within a week, outlining the steps you are taking to improve on the issue at hand.