Final answer:
It is generally advisable to follow company policy regarding clocking in. Being a few minutes early for shift preparation is sometimes encouraged, but should align with employer guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the question of clocking in early, company policies can vary. Generally, it is best to follow company guidelines on work attendance and time reporting. If your workplace has a policy for clocking in, it should be adhered to. Some companies may allow or even encourage employees to be a few minutes early to prepare for their shift, while others may require you to clock in precisely on time.
If unsure, it's preferable to show up on time, which typically means being ready to start work at your scheduled time, not necessarily clocking in early. It is a good practice to plan your commute so that you arrive with enough time to ensure you are not late. Being consistently timely demonstrates reliability and respect for your employer's time.
In reference to the anecdotal situations provided, such as arriving to meet a friend who claims time runs differently at different elevations, it's important to note that while time dilation is a concept in physics, it does not have a noticeable effect in everyday life scenarios, such as the difference in height of a building like the Empire State Building. Therefore, this would not be a reasonable excuse for everyday tardiness.