In my experience, especially in a Tier2 company, managing Attendance and timesheets becomes very tricky especially since you are on one to one basis with every employee. However it is important to set clear expectations, especially since if the rules are bent for one employee, then the news spread and then the management is questioned to have different policies for different people. The attendance policy needs to be circulated and cited time and again to ensure it is being followed and that the company is serious in implementing the same. It is also necessary to convey across the message that rules are not to be changed for anyone as it won't be fair to the other employees who meticulously follow the rules.

Lead by example is number one. You cannot set expectations if you-yourself are not meeting them. Set clear expectations and policies. make sure everyone is aware of them, follow up by asking if anyone has difficulty meeting these expectations. Some employees may need special accommodations. Follow through with these policies and expectations and be consistent with discipline if required. This sends a clear message that it will not be tolerated.

One thing I have found to be helpful is to ensure that any doubts/ questions are to be answered at the bud level and not when it becomes a big issue of resentment in the mind of the employees. encouraging the employees to immediately bring to the notice of the HR in case of any misunderstanding and queries, the availability of HR team to handle all disputes ASAP and the quick guidance and support will enable the employee to have a free discussion without any resentment with the concerned people in the organization.

With the changing times, it becomes necessary that the companies maintain certain flexibility in terms of maintaining the attendance. For Eg when a sincere employee who stays out of the state of the workplace and is responsible for managing his home far away ,has to visit his home every weekend, it is imperative that he/ she be allowed to leave office 30 minutes before, when he/she is ready to compensate that working hours appropriately. These small little acts of humanity and consideration then go to leave a distinct impression in the minds of the employees and they know and are assured that the company is also available to take care of their needs and vice versa. As long as the quality of the work is not compromised, this is acceptable.