25 Work From Home Products To Help You Get It Together
A three-in-one wireless charger to keep your desk from looking like a bird's nest of wires, cords, and cables. If you're team Apple, you'll love the convenience of being able to charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at once *and* not having to take up three precious outlets to do it. Whether you're looking to simplify your charging setup or reduce the clutter on your desk, this is the multitasking BFF your chaotic workspace has been waiting for.
A desktop vacuum if your keyboard has become the final resting place for your mid-afternoon snack crumbs. This super sucker is strong enough to get up pet hair, paper shreds, and the entire contents of your everything bagel — but quiet enough not to interrupt your next Zoom call. And if you are someone who needs a guilting stare to motivate you to keep your desk clean, just add goggly eyes to it like this reviewer did.
A headphone stand so that you know exactly where they are when your boss puts a last-minute Zoom meeting on your calendar. It's made of sleek aluminum, works with nearly every major headphone brand, helps to keep your valuable desk space clear, and always keeps your audiophile ear muffs within arm's reach.
A computer monitor memo board if you can't quit sticky notes, but are tired of looking at a sea of them all over your desk. All you do is mount it to the side of your monitor with its adhesive backing and — boom! No more forgetting passwords, meeting times, and that one crucial thing your boss slacked you about.
A document clip that holds up to four sheets of paper right at eye level, so you're not craning your neck or squinting at your lap while typing. It mounts to basically any screen, can be adjusted for eye-level comfort, and its clip-able design makes it travel friendly. Your back is calling, and it's begging you to get this.
A space-saving whiteboard to sit right in between your keyboard and your monitor for effortless note-taking, doodling, or writing passive-aggressive reminders to yourself to drink water. It's angled for easy writing, wipes clean in seconds, and handles clutter like a champ with built-in storage drawers and a phone slot. It's giving 'CEO of Getting Things Done.'
A sleek stand that will raise your laptop by six inches to keep you from hunching over like the Grim Reaper. And if your computer breathes like it just ran a marathon from having 50 tabs open (totally *not* talking about me), this will also provide some serious airflow to help with overheating. It's made of sturdy aluminum, supports almost any laptop, and folds up for easy storage when your "desk" turns back into the dining room table.
And a monitor stand to literally level up your desk area and reclaim it from the clutter monster that has made a home out of your office for months. It brings your screen to a more natural eye level, making all-day screen time more comfortable for your neck and back. And with a built-in spot for your phone and slots for cables, you'll finally be able to serve the clutter monster its eviction notice.
Or an under-desk laptop holder if you want to hide your work computer from yourself to signal to your brain that you have "left the office." It discreetly hides your device, frees up space for other hobbies, and keeps your desk looking clutter-free. It's easy to install, ultra-sturdy, and protects your computer from spills, accidents, and way-too-nosey pets.
A digital clock that is large enough to help you keep track of your "10-minute" TikTok breaks in between emails. The glowing, LED display is not only easy to read at a glance, but this time tracker also has settings to tell you the date and temperature. It's the perfect blend of form and function, with an aesthetic look and lighting that can auto-adjust based on the time of day.
A daily flip calendar for anyone who feels too tempted by their phone to only just check the date. This cutie sits right on your desk, and you can make a ritual out of flipping the cards each morning to give your day a fresh start. No apps. No distractions. Just the date, front and center so you don't show up to a Thursday Zoom thinking it's Tuesday... Again. 😅
A pack of organizer trays if your desk drawer looks more chaotic than a Where's Waldo picture. This 25-piece set helps you turn even the most wild-looking drawers into a Pinterest-worthy workspace. With four different tray sizes (for everything from lip balm to rogue paper clips) and grippy bottoms, you'll never have to worry about items slipping and sliding around, and then having to go on an archeological dig to find them.
A set of under-the-desk drawers because you splurged on the cutest minimalist desk, but later realized that drawers might be nice. Instead of having your pens, paper clips, and other tiny clutter sitting on your desk, all you have to do is slap this sleek drawer underneath with the included sticky pads. No tools, no drilling, just *clean surfaces* and ~relaxed vibes~.
A label maker if your current WFH set up is held together by random cords, a swamp of sticky notes, and ~vibes~. This pocket-sized wizard is here to help you get the chaos in check and maybe even allow you to pretend... Imagine... dream that you have the ability to be a type A worker. It requires no ink to use *and* you can choose from dozens of cute icons, borders, and unique fonts to label everything in sight. Bonus: the labels are waterproof, heatproof, and scratch-resistant — and they actually stay put (even on greasy surfaces).
A pack of cord holders that will actually keep your laptop charger on your desk. These magnetic cable clips stick to your worktop, snap your cables into place, and make sure your charger doesn't disappear every time you shift your computer. No more crawling around your chair and bruising your knees trying to find the one cord that fell (again).
A cable management box if you've *almost* tripped one too many times on the surge protector and the sea of cords by your desk. This roomy organizer tucks away everything from chargers to power strips, has large openings for ventilation and airflow, and the smooth wood lid actually makes it look like home decor.
And a pack of cord labels because you are a frequent guest on the world's worst game show, 'Guess That Cord,' every morning. Is it the monitor? The laptop? The phone charger? With 30 reusable, velcro cable labels, you'll finally know which cord belongs to what and save yourself so much time and frustration.
A set of wall file organizers for when your desk is covered in so much paperwork, you actually can't remember if you even have a desk under there. This durable and stylish gem tames all those loose documents with three separate tiers and label slots for easy sorting. It keeps everything from bills to notebooks right where you need them — off your desk.
Or a triangle file holder because between deadlines, Slack pings, and random Amazon returns, you don't have time to hunt for paperwork when you need it. This glamorous, 10-slot rack keeps everything upright, sorted, and within arm's reach, keeping your workspace curated and composed. Best of all — it arrives assembled. You just unbox it and it's ready to go.
A rollable tray table that will truly allow you to work from wherever you want in your home. Work from bed? From the couch? From your bathtub? — Go for it! This sleek C-table has an adjustable height and a 360-degree swivel table top that will make working from various locations a breeze. The raised edge will keep your drinks and snacks from going overboard, while the easy glide wheels will allow you to roll your "desk" wherever your 'office' happens to be that day.
A pad protector so that your desk looks as pristine as the day you unboxed it. It shields your work surface from scratches, spills, and coffee catastrophes while also doubling as a giant, smooth mouse pad. So, not only will your desk be protected, but it also gives your workspace that 'I have my life together' look. *Bonus*: reviewers note that it feels buttery soft under your wrists.
A mini bookshelf made from solid wood if you are tight on space in your work area, but you also have stacks on stacks of books you need to refer to constantly. It tucks neatly into any corner, shelf, or desk setup, and it's adjustable — with five different setups for you to choose from that best fit your storage needs. From stationery to desk trinkets and plants, every item will have a home.
A pack of chic ceramic coasters for anyone who has accidentally left their iced coffee on an important document and had a wet ring mark cause their writing to bleed all over the page. They soak up every drip and save your workspace from turning into a water-stained mess. Plus, the included metal holder keeps them neatly stacked when you're not using them, and the cork bottom keeps them from sliding around and scratching up your desk.
A sophisticated pack of felt tiles that will turn your pile of reminders, to-do lists, and torn-out pages into a curated display. They offer a modern alternative to the clunky corkboard of your college years, and they're super easy to install with the included adhesive tabs. Bonus: they absorb sound, so your space will instantly sound and feel calmer — even if your inbox doesn't.
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Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
25 Work From Home Products To Help You Get It Together
A stylish to-do list planner for anyone who is tired of getting to 4 p.m. and realizing you haven't eaten or completed a single task, and your insides are drier than a cactus. This leafy-luxe daily organizer will help you keep track of it all — appointments, meals, workouts, gratitude, water intake, the works — so you can finally stop juggling 10 apps or 15 sticky notes and start making actual progress. Also, it's undated. So, when life be life-ing, you can ghost it for a week and pick right back up with no judgment. A three-in-one wireless charger to keep your desk from looking like a bird's nest of wires, cords, and cables. If you're team Apple, you'll love the convenience of being able to charge your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch all at once *and* not having to take up three precious outlets to do it. Whether you're looking to simplify your charging setup or reduce the clutter on your desk, this is the multitasking BFF your chaotic workspace has been waiting for. A desktop vacuum if your keyboard has become the final resting place for your mid-afternoon snack crumbs. This super sucker is strong enough to get up pet hair, paper shreds, and the entire contents of your everything bagel — but quiet enough not to interrupt your next Zoom call. And if you are someone who needs a guilting stare to motivate you to keep your desk clean, just add goggly eyes to it like this reviewer did. A headphone stand so that you know exactly where they are when your boss puts a last-minute Zoom meeting on your calendar. It's made of sleek aluminum, works with nearly every major headphone brand, helps to keep your valuable desk space clear, and always keeps your audiophile ear muffs within arm's reach. A computer monitor memo board if you can't quit sticky notes, but are tired of looking at a sea of them all over your desk. All you do is mount it to the side of your monitor with its adhesive backing and — boom! No more forgetting passwords, meeting times, and that one crucial thing your boss slacked you about. A document clip that holds up to four sheets of paper right at eye level, so you're not craning your neck or squinting at your lap while typing. It mounts to basically any screen, can be adjusted for eye-level comfort, and its clip-able design makes it travel friendly. Your back is calling, and it's begging you to get this. A space-saving whiteboard to sit right in between your keyboard and your monitor for effortless note-taking, doodling, or writing passive-aggressive reminders to yourself to drink water. It's angled for easy writing, wipes clean in seconds, and handles clutter like a champ with built-in storage drawers and a phone slot. It's giving 'CEO of Getting Things Done.' A sleek stand that will raise your laptop by six inches to keep you from hunching over like the Grim Reaper. And if your computer breathes like it just ran a marathon from having 50 tabs open (totally *not* talking about me), this will also provide some serious airflow to help with overheating. It's made of sturdy aluminum, supports almost any laptop, and folds up for easy storage when your "desk" turns back into the dining room table. And a monitor stand to literally level up your desk area and reclaim it from the clutter monster that has made a home out of your office for months. It brings your screen to a more natural eye level, making all-day screen time more comfortable for your neck and back. And with a built-in spot for your phone and slots for cables, you'll finally be able to serve the clutter monster its eviction notice. Or an under-desk laptop holder if you want to hide your work computer from yourself to signal to your brain that you have "left the office." It discreetly hides your device, frees up space for other hobbies, and keeps your desk looking clutter-free. It's easy to install, ultra-sturdy, and protects your computer from spills, accidents, and way-too-nosey pets. A digital clock that is large enough to help you keep track of your "10-minute" TikTok breaks in between emails. The glowing, LED display is not only easy to read at a glance, but this time tracker also has settings to tell you the date and temperature. It's the perfect blend of form and function, with an aesthetic look and lighting that can auto-adjust based on the time of day. A daily flip calendar for anyone who feels too tempted by their phone to only just check the date. This cutie sits right on your desk, and you can make a ritual out of flipping the cards each morning to give your day a fresh start. No apps. No distractions. Just the date, front and center so you don't show up to a Thursday Zoom thinking it's Tuesday... Again. 😅 A pack of organizer trays if your desk drawer looks more chaotic than a Where's Waldo picture. This 25-piece set helps you turn even the most wild-looking drawers into a Pinterest-worthy workspace. With four different tray sizes (for everything from lip balm to rogue paper clips) and grippy bottoms, you'll never have to worry about items slipping and sliding around, and then having to go on an archeological dig to find them. A set of under-the-desk drawers because you splurged on the cutest minimalist desk, but later realized that drawers might be nice. Instead of having your pens, paper clips, and other tiny clutter sitting on your desk, all you have to do is slap this sleek drawer underneath with the included sticky pads. No tools, no drilling, just *clean surfaces* and ~relaxed vibes~. A label maker if your current WFH set up is held together by random cords, a swamp of sticky notes, and ~vibes~. This pocket-sized wizard is here to help you get the chaos in check and maybe even allow you to pretend... Imagine... dream that you have the ability to be a type A worker. It requires no ink to use *and* you can choose from dozens of cute icons, borders, and unique fonts to label everything in sight. Bonus: the labels are waterproof, heatproof, and scratch-resistant — and they actually stay put (even on greasy surfaces). A pack of cord holders that will actually keep your laptop charger on your desk. These magnetic cable clips stick to your worktop, snap your cables into place, and make sure your charger doesn't disappear every time you shift your computer. No more crawling around your chair and bruising your knees trying to find the one cord that fell (again). A cable management box if you've *almost* tripped one too many times on the surge protector and the sea of cords by your desk. This roomy organizer tucks away everything from chargers to power strips, has large openings for ventilation and airflow, and the smooth wood lid actually makes it look like home decor. And a pack of cord labels because you are a frequent guest on the world's worst game show, 'Guess That Cord,' every morning. Is it the monitor? The laptop? The phone charger? With 30 reusable, velcro cable labels, you'll finally know which cord belongs to what and save yourself so much time and frustration. A set of wall file organizers for when your desk is covered in so much paperwork, you actually can't remember if you even have a desk under there. This durable and stylish gem tames all those loose documents with three separate tiers and label slots for easy sorting. It keeps everything from bills to notebooks right where you need them — off your desk. Or a triangle file holder because between deadlines, Slack pings, and random Amazon returns, you don't have time to hunt for paperwork when you need it. This glamorous, 10-slot rack keeps everything upright, sorted, and within arm's reach, keeping your workspace curated and composed. Best of all — it arrives assembled. You just unbox it and it's ready to go. A rollable tray table that will truly allow you to work from wherever you want in your home. Work from bed? From the couch? From your bathtub? — Go for it! This sleek C-table has an adjustable height and a 360-degree swivel table top that will make working from various locations a breeze. The raised edge will keep your drinks and snacks from going overboard, while the easy glide wheels will allow you to roll your "desk" wherever your 'office' happens to be that day. A pad protector so that your desk looks as pristine as the day you unboxed it. It shields your work surface from scratches, spills, and coffee catastrophes while also doubling as a giant, smooth mouse pad. So, not only will your desk be protected, but it also gives your workspace that 'I have my life together' look. *Bonus*: reviewers note that it feels buttery soft under your wrists. A mini bookshelf made from solid wood if you are tight on space in your work area, but you also have stacks on stacks of books you need to refer to constantly. It tucks neatly into any corner, shelf, or desk setup, and it's adjustable — with five different setups for you to choose from that best fit your storage needs. From stationery to desk trinkets and plants, every item will have a home. A pack of chic ceramic coasters for anyone who has accidentally left their iced coffee on an important document and had a wet ring mark cause their writing to bleed all over the page. They soak up every drip and save your workspace from turning into a water-stained mess. Plus, the included metal holder keeps them neatly stacked when you're not using them, and the cork bottom keeps them from sliding around and scratching up your desk. A sophisticated pack of felt tiles that will turn your pile of reminders, to-do lists, and torn-out pages into a curated display. They offer a modern alternative to the clunky corkboard of your college years, and they're super easy to install with the included adhesive tabs. Bonus: they absorb sound, so your space will instantly sound and feel calmer — even if your inbox doesn't.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Time Business News
Memorize the Quran from the convenience of your own home with the help of online Hifz classes.
In order to provide direction for all of humanity, Allah revealed the Holy Quran, which is the divine word of Allah. One of the most prestigious accomplishments that a Muslim may do is to become a Hafiz, which means that they have committed the Quran to memory. Although traditional Hifz programs continue to be popular, the advent of the digital age has made it possible to take advantage of an alternative that is both more convenient and more easily accessible: online Hifz classes. These tools for memorizing information online are becoming increasingly popular all over the world, particularly in nations such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where access to Islamic institutions in the local community may be restricted. It is now possible for students of any age to start their journey toward becoming Hafiz without having to leave the comfort of their own homes, thanks to the assistance of trained professors and recent technological advancements. Can You Tell Me About Online Hifz Classes? The term 'online Hifz classes' refers to organized courses for memorizing the Quran that are being delivered via the internet. In order to give one-on-one or group sessions that are guided by qualified Quran teachers, these classes often make use of platforms such as Zoom, Skype, or dedicated Islamic learning portals. Students meet with their instructors on a regular basis and follow a memorizing program that is personalized to their age, skill, and aspirations. Online Hifz programs make it feasible for anyone, including children, teenagers, and adults, to embark on this virtuous journey. These classes cover everything from memorizing brief Surahs to completing the entire Quran. Key Characteristics of Hifz Classes Taken Online The following is a list of some of the most important features and benefits that come with enrolling in online Hifz courses: Private one-on-one meetings The vast majority of online schools provide individualized Hifz programs, which enable the instructor to concentrate entirely on a single pupil. Better memorization, more accurate Tajweed, and more rapid advancement are all potential outcomes of this targeted attention. Tutors those are both qualified and experienced Certified male and female Quran tutors who are also proficient in Hifz and Tajweed are sought for by reputable teaching institutions. They monitor daily modifications and provide students with excellent memorizing tools to aid them through the process. Individualized Instructional Programs Every single pupil must be unique. A student's skill, age, schedule, and pace are taken into consideration while developing a customized plan for online Hifz sessions. The plan automatically adjusts to your level of comfort, whether you want to read three verses every day or an entire page. Timings that's are flexible Students have the ability to select class times that allow them to better accommodate their schedules, such as before or after school, on weekends, or in the evening. Due to its adaptability, it is an excellent choice for students who are located in different time zones or who have packed schedules. Revision and Monitoring on a Daily Basis Online Hifz programs lay a significant emphasis on daily and weekly revision in order to guarantee that students retain the material over the long term. Teachers also use regular exams to monitor the progress of their students and fix any mistakes that may have been made. Benefits of Learning Hifz Online ✔ Convenience There is no requirement to travel or go to a madrasa. It is possible to communicate with your tutor from any location in the world. Learning that is both secure and comfortable Under the watchful eye of their parents, children, particularly young girls, are able to acquire knowledge in a safe place at home. ✔ Access to tutors from across the world Search for the most qualified Quran instructors from Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, or any other nation that is well-known for its Quranic scholarship. The environment that is motivating In order to maintain students' motivation and consistency, the majority of platforms include learning tools such as quizzes, certificates, and progress reports. Is Hifz Online Appropriate for Children to Use? Unquestionably! Because of the individualized approach and secure setting, a significant number of parents choose to enroll their children in Hifz programs that are offered online. Children between the ages of five and fifteen have a particularly great aptitude for learning and a sharp recall, making them particularly well-suited for the process of memorizing. For the purpose of keeping young pupils interested and engaged while they are learning the Quran, some programs even contain entertaining components such as Islamic stories, fundamental Fiqh, and Dua memorization. How to Determine Which Online Hifz Program Is Right for You The following considerations should be taken into account while choosing an online Hifz course: Credentials of the instructors (including certification in Tajweed and Ijazah) Possibilities for flexible scheduling Trial classes to test the teaching approach Recommendations and testimony from students Pricing as well as discounts for families Ensure that the academy provides easily accessible communication with the instructor or support staff, as well as regular updates on the student's progress. Conclusion Hifz classes that are offered online provide Muslims all over the world with a remarkable opportunity to achieve the admirable objective of memorizing the complete Quran. By providing flexibility, experienced supervision and the capacity to learn from any location, these programs eliminate barriers and make it possible for anybody to embark on this spiritual journey. Online Hifz classes offer the resources, structure, and support that are necessary for success, regardless of whether you are a parent who is interested in enrolling your child, an adult who is working and wants to learn progressively, or someone who is returning to finish their Hifz certificate. You should begin your road toward Hifz right away since learning the Quran is not just a goal; it is a blessing that will last a lifetime. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Why Running Late Is Damaging Your Personal Brand
In an age when most people are overstretched and digital distractions abound, how you 'show up' has a significant impact on your reputation, personal brand, and professional image. Whether demonstrating presence of character or simply arriving at a meeting on time, showing up matters more than ever. Being punctual is an important part of your professional reputation these days. In a world where first impressions are hugely influential and attention spans are short, being on time is one of the easiest ways to signal professionalism and dependability. The Pre-Smartphone World Required Punctuality At the risk of severely dating myself here, do you remember how people picked up passengers at airports before the advent of mobile phones? You may not have even been born yet! The pre-smartphone 20th century may seem like ages ago, but it was only a few years before Apple released the iPhone, social media platforms transformed how we share updates, and messaging apps became a primary way of staying in touch. Back then, an airline passenger typically shared their flight details and arrival time with the person meeting them at the airport ahead of time by calling, emailing, or even writing a letter. Sounds crazy, I know. They would agree on a meeting spot like a specific curbside door, baggage claim belt, or even gate because non-ticketed passengers were allowed past security before 9/11. I still remember hugging my parents gate-side when I landed home for the holidays during college. You always had a contingency plan, where you would agree to meet at an alternative location if anyone was running late. In case you couldn't find each other, you could request a public announcement over the intercom system, requesting the other person to meet you at a specific location. The system worked surprisingly well. Back then, I never had any issues finding anyone. But things only worked smoothly if people showed up on time. If you were late, finding one another involved much more hassle, effort, and stress. Although difficult to imagine now, planning and punctuality were built into how we moved through the world. Those days now seem like a distant relic from another era. A lot's changed since then in how we communicate with each other and interpret tardiness. Real-Time Communications Enable Last-Minute Updates These days, in a world where asynchronous communication through text messaging, email, and online posts is the norm, you're always only a few taps away from letting someone instantly know you're 'running 10 minutes late." If you want to change plans last minute, you just ping someone. No skin off anyone's back, right? I'm no social scientist, so I can only speculate on why people may find lateness to be more acceptable now. A few reasons may be driving this shift. The increase in virtual meetings has blurred the social cues you normally get when you're late to an in-person meeting. Perhaps the always-reachable mindset has eroded the former standard of pre-planned punctuality. Additionally, many people may be more fluid and flexible in how they perceive meeting start times. After all, if you're waiting for someone who's running late, you can easily fill your idle time by doom-scrolling on your phone or whipping out your laptop to catch up on work. Acceptable lateness may also be generational. According to 2024 research conducted by Meeting Canary, 47% of Gen Z respondents said arriving 5-10 minutes late is considered on-time, whereas only 22% of Baby Boomers shared that view. This generational shift suggests that punctuality norms have evolved. Therefore, being reliably on time can be a simple but powerful differentiator for your personal brand. Chronic Lateness Will Undermine Your Reputation Recently, I've been on the receiving end of plenty of people being late. For example, last week, I was scheduled to meet someone in central London for an informal catch-up in the city. That morning, I quickly dropped off my daughter at school, then ran to catch a train into the city to make it to our meeting on time. While en route, the person I was meeting texted to say she was running 15 minutes late due to work she was trying to finish. She eventually arrived over 30 minutes late while I patiently waited. This marked the third time in a row she was late to one of our meetings. Last month, I was supposed to have lunch with a friend I'd not seen in years, who suggested we meet. After hosting a workshop, I rushed across town to meet him. 10 minutes after we were supposed to meet, he sent me an apologetic WhatsApp voice message (rather than just calling me) to say he had forgotten we were meeting but could still make it there about an hour after our scheduled meeting time. Something similar happened during our last two attempts to meet. I left. Now, everyone runs late sometimes or forgets a meeting here and there. Maybe these people had a lot on their plates at that specific moment. Maybe they were struggling with something I wasn't aware of. Maybe I'm just not a priority for these people. There could be a whole host of explanations here, and I generally give people the benefit of the doubt in most situations because everyone has their behind-the-scenes struggles. 'Of course, life happens. Subways run late, life emergencies happen, and there's always the unexpected,' says etiquette expert Nick Leighton. 'If you make an effort to communicate with people as soon as you know you're running late, and you have a reputation for being on time, you'll be easily forgiven.' The issue arises when your tardiness becomes a pattern, especially with a certain individual who may be very patient and understanding but will still likely prefer punctuality. 'Always showing up late is disrespectful,' says Leighton. 'Being on time sends the signal to others that you understand that their time is just as valuable as yours.' Plenty Of Valid Reasons For Being Late Exist I never expect to be at the top of anyone's priority list. Everyone's busy with their own matters. Everyone has important commitments. Everyone has plenty of responsibilities. However, because these specific individuals had a pattern of being habitually tardy, forgetful, and unable to keep appointments with me, the message I took away in both cases was that our time together wasn't even a momentary priority for them. You may have completely relatable and understandable reasons for being late. Some may even be cultural. 'Some business etiquette norms will differ across cultures,' says etiquette trainer Mariah Grumet Humbert. 'Punctuality may be less prioritized or perhaps not held in such a high regard among some cultures.' Regardless of your perfectly valid reasons, being chronically late will steadily chip away at your credibility, reliability, and professionalism, leaving others with the impression they're not important enough for you to show up on time, which will weaken any relationship. 'Being regularly late communicates you don't have a certain level of awareness or even respect for other people's time,' says Humbert. People Can Now Text The Tardiness Away With smartphones always within arm's reach, we now have the luxury and convenience of being able to adjust plans in real time. Devices have seemed to exacerbate a culture of permissible lateness these days. However, just because we can conveniently adjust things last minute, doesn't mean we should. According to Monster, consistently being late to meetings is considered one of the top five rudest workplace behaviors amongst colleagues. 'Being late in any circumstance can be a concern for your brand's reputation. You are your brand,' says Christine Haas, CEO of Christine Haas Media. Remember, people are always watching and taking inventory of how you show up in the world.' At best, being late means something just came up. We all experience travel delays. We all get unlucky, forget things, or have sudden, last-minute issues. Things can't always be planned to the dot. Everyone gets it. Life happens. People generally understand and accept this. We're all human after all. We all run late sometimes. And we've all had moments in life when we're just overwhelmed. However, even in these understandable situations, the start of your conversation is then focused on your tardiness. 'Being late means rushed and apologetic, making it harder to connect positively' at the start of a meeting, according to Hayley Dawson, founder of Let's Talk Human Skills. Conversely, when you're on time, 'you can greet the person warmly and spark engaging conversation, which helps maintain a positive relationship from the start of your interaction," says Dawson. People also know delays don't always happen. Plenty of people in my network consistently show up on time, while others tend to always run late. And even the most patient individuals will notice patterns with certain individuals and eventually no longer tolerate chronic, inconsiderate behavior. The Cost of Making Others Wait On You Every time you meet someone, the manner in which you show up will say something about your personal brand. 'Being punctual is a form of non-verbal communication. By showing up on time, you're non-verbally telling that person you care enough about their time and the task at hand, says Humbert. 'It's a representation of your work ethic and competency." If you're chronically late, especially with a specific individual, be aware that your tardiness is signaling to them that you think your time is more valuable than theirs. Even if someone gives you the benefit of the doubt, being repeatedly tardy is inconsiderate and will eventually paint a picture that you're unreliable, disorganized, and unworthy of their time, even for informal meet-ups. 'Punctuality is a sign of respect,' says Michelby L. Whitehead, CEO of PR agency Michelby & Co. 'When you're regularly late . . . people begin to expect lackluster effort and work from you, or they stop dealing with you altogether.' Being On Time Shows You Value Others' Time Your punctuality reflects your priorities. In this age of virtual communications, AI companions, and apps competing for our attention, one of the simplest things you can do to come across professionally is to just show up on time. It's such a simple gesture, but it signals you're reliable, respectful, and professional, which are all human qualities that will become even more valuable over time. I can't claim to be someone who's always on time. No one can. However, I also never assume I'm busier than the person I'm meeting. I certainly don't see my time as more valuable than anyone else's. And it's not fair to make someone sit and wait for me, especially since that other person may have jumped through hoops to be punctual themselves. Therefore, I will always do my very best to show up on time out of respect for the person I'm meeting. Time is one of the few things we all share, yet time is also finite, so one of the greatest gifts you can give someone is your complete attention during that finite time you have with them. If you consistently demonstrate to someone else you value their time as much as you want them to value yours, you'll earn the kind of respect that makes people want to see you again.
