What Is the Importance of Punctuality?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 12, 2023

Punctuality is important because it is polite to be on time. Being late to an appointment or event is simply rude. Lateness leaves a bad impression.

Being late leaves the impression that a person is irresponsible or unprofessional. This bad impression can impact both current work and future employment prospects. On a personal level chronic lateness can strain relationships and cause other people to have to readjust their schedules accordingly.

As a general rule, it is far better to show up 10 minutes early than it is to be even five minutes late. Punctual people are seen as trustworthy; chronically late people are not.