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They’ve never been late to a meeting and early when they need to, but at least once every two weeks, they’re 5 minutes late to work. They drive an hour commute, much farther than the rest. They get their work done on time and do a good job otherwise. It doesn’t bother me, but my coworker thinks it’s a problem, though the tardy coworker doesn’t affect their work.
Depends on so many different factors eg the type of job, their general commitment to the company, do they regularly stay late to get things finished, in what way does it affect co-workers, what is their reason for being a few minutes late now and then, what does the boss think about it the questions could probably go on and on.
Add 5 to 10 minutes for 52 weeks and within a year that adds up! Even still I am sure the other employees take time off, are also late or leave early. I know people who might show up late for work, but stay to make up for it. Being 5 minutes late every so often isn't bad. I'd even let it happen maybe once a week. Once you hit 15 to 30 minutes you'd get the warning if it were to happen too many times.
If someone is late for a meeting they best have a good reason for it. For the most part employees are halting other work while they sit there waiting for someone who is late. That cost the company even more money because you're not being productive. Also it crushes moral and rude to make others wait. Plus, it's typically something where your boss or bosses are at. Only fools show up for meetings late or those who don't value their job.
With the case you describe, no, not at all.
But seriously, how difficult is it to backtrack that 5 minutes, now that you know it's a habit, to start at whatever the official start time happens to be?
Overall, if the work is good/gets done on time, this is no issue as long as everyone else can show up 5 minutes late too. Just as a courtesy to others, you really ought to get their on time.
Being late at work (Without a valid excuse) can lead to problems in the work area. Depending on what job they are doing, co-workers have to be on time every shift. Or that they could be lying about there attendance. Even though they were late a short time, being late means your late. Even by one minute. Meetings are the worst because they have to hold and wait for that one person who hasn't turned up on time just to take a seat and get out what he needs. Embarrassing the manager and the co-workers. And possibly have to repeat it.
So yea that why it could affect us. Unless you work as a manager and it doesn't affect you then you should tell the co-workers there is nothing to worry. Maybe get him a telling off for being late.