Time and attendance solutions provider Clocking Systems Ltd. has revealed new research, showcasing things that rank as the top annoyances of those in management or leadership positions.

After collecting and collating relevant data, Clocking Systems found the following to be bosses’ top frustrations and annoyances about their employees in the workplace.

Lack of Communication

One of the real bug bears across all managers was a lack of communication from staff, whether it was not replying to e-mails, running late and not letting them know, or not communicating when something isn’t going well. It’s been cited that this is one of the key areas in which trust can erode because it can show a lack of accountability.

Phone Addiction

In 2025, phones are an unavoidable necessity, especially in the working world, whether it’s for 2-factor authentication, work calls, or being able to be contacted quickly. However, bosses referenced seeing staff spending working hours on social media, or WhatsApp, replying to personal messages. This can often be difficult for bosses to manage but most savvy managers can spot when a mobile phone is interfering with an employee’s day to day work.

Attitude

Negative attitude is still cited as one of the main reasons for bosses’ annoyance. Issues will arise in every workplace, but your attitude to work is key. For example, consistent lateness, treating sick days like extra holiday days, ‘it’s not my job’, and gossiping are all part of what constitutes a negative attitude in the workplace.

Excuses

Taking no accountability is referenced consistently across bosses as a reason for work not being done. Making excuses for work is something that can really annoy bosses. It’s also noted that many bosses understood that there are valid reasons for things going wrong but when it becomes consistent it leads to major frustration for leaders.

Inappropriate dress

Perhaps it’s part of the COVID-19 hangover, but bosses cited a more ‘lax approach’ to dressing. This was referenced especially when in online meetings, where bosses felt that staff at home don’t feel they have to dress as professionally. With studies showing that people are more productive when they dress well for work, it’s not only important for those working from home, but for those in office environments. This affects their own professional wellbeing and has a positive impact on their career development.

Dishonesty

Bosses referenced that they understand things don’t always go to plan at work, and part of their role is to support and nurture; however, dishonesty can erode trust at a rapid pace and destroy a leader’s relationship with their employee. Managers suggest that being honest and letting them know about problems ahead of time where possible can contribute to a successful relationship between employer and employee.

 Lateness

Flexible working has had a huge impact on the workplace over the last 5 years, but some bosses feel like a section of employees may take advantage of this. Clocking Systems tend to see an increase in frustrated bosses following the Christmas period as they feel like some employees have taken advantage of others being away or that there’s more of a relaxed approach to work at this time of year. Lateness is repeatedly cited as an annoyance for bosses, but more so when it’s a pattern of behaviour, or that staff aren’t communicating it with their manager.

Drew Macmillan, Sales Manager at Clocking Systems, Commented: “The employer/employee relationship has changed hugely across the last 5 years. Lateness is still a huge annoyance for bosses in hospitality and retail, mostly due to the knock-on effect to other staff. When staff are consistently late, it becomes frustrating.

We have systems to ensure that you can manage lateness responsibly; not just to track it, but to see when staff are working long past when they’re meant to, helping you ensure that they’re adhering to working time regulations and supporting the prevention of employee burnout.

Dealing with issues is part of management responsibility, but it can become time-consuming when it’s on-going and not managed correctly. We work with many businesses, helping them become more efficient and support their staff in the right ways.”