Boss works 10 to 6, insists on making 9 to 5 employee late to check in with work: 'I've missed plans because of it'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jul 16, 2026 9:15 AM EDT

How should an employee approach a boss who doesn't respect their normal working hours?

If you were to ask the majority of the workforce about sticking to the times that we are supposed to clock in and clock out, they would probably say that it is pretty important. While work emergencies do occasionally necessitate bending the rules, most employees value the fact that they can leave their job behind at a certain time of the day and not have to think about it too much until tomorrow.

Sadly, not all companies or managers see things the same way. They like the idea that their employees are constantly available to them, even if that is not in their job description. The expectation to skip breaks and engage in unpaid overtime is rife in some places, no matter if it increases turnover and gives remaining workers a reason for resentment. They just want to get as much as possible out of their employees, or at least appear to be doing so.

Even when it is something they do not want to do, many employees find it hard to fight against this. More often than not, this pattern will creep up on them without them even realizing it.

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  • Two female employees work at desks in an office, one in front of the other
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    Two female employees work at desks in an office, one in front of the other

  • An employee was struggling with wrapping up their workday at the time that they were supposed to because of their boss. They worked 9 to 5 while she was 10 to 6, and every time that they were getting ready to leave, she would insist on having a catch-up regarding their work.

    It was getting to a point where they were missing out on plans because she insisted on this habit. They had tried to make their excuses to get away on time, but it didn't seem to work. They wanted advice on how they could handle the situation to their advantage.

  • She stops me leaving at the end of the day

    My boss I've posted about her before, but one thing I'm struggling with is her doing this strange thing at the end of the day
    via Informal-Meaning-483
  • We work in the office 3 days a week, I work 9-5, she gets in later 10-6. When I've finished the working day, pack up and about to leave, she always insists on me going through my work tracker or my current tasks. I tell her I have to go as I have plans I need to make, and
    via Informal-Meaning-483
  • Cheezburger Image 10647232512
    via Getty Images (Unsplash+)

    A female employee looks down at her laptop, with two coworkers sitting in the background

  • she just ignores me and keeps talking. I tell her we can go over it in the morning but she wants to know now. She will keep me for an additional 15 mins sometimes.
    via Informal-Meaning-483
  • It's really annoying me and I've missed plans because of it, what is this behaviour? She's also very into her micromanagement and criticising of my personality so this is part of a bigger problem
    via Informal-Meaning-483
  • A close-up of the outside of one floor of a high-rise glass office building
    via Egor Komarov

    A close-up of the outside of one floor of a high-rise glass office building

  • Spiritual_Ad6547 Start scheduling a check in at 4:30p to review. Let her know you leave at 5, so reviews must be done before.
    via Spiritual_Ad6547
  • lavinialloyd Put a daily meeting in with her 30. mins before end of the shift, recurring daily. Then send an email explaining that you understand she requires a status check at the end of every day, and to ensure moving forward this takes place within working hours, you've put in time for a status. check.
    via lavinialloyd
  • If she declines the meeting move it slightly earlier. If she declines again go back and ask her what time she would prefer for the status check. If she says a time when your shift ends, then ask whether you should log your overtime or instead come into work half an hour later everyday to get back the time.
    via lavinialloyd
  • Make sure you get everything in writing over email. It honestly sounds like a weird power move to me and I imagine she'll back down pretty quickly once you start getting a paper trail together.
    via lavinialloyd
  • LadyLenear57 Why are you telling her you're leaving. Just leave, problem solved.
    via LadyLenear57
  • ash_ok_ Just ask her, how we can work to avoid that? Ask her what she needs.
    via ash_ok__
  • Emotional_Half_7679 Start setting boundaries, simply say 'I have finished for the day and have fixed plans tonight, we will have to pick this up in the morning, have a good evening, see you tomorrow'. Boss needs to manage her time better and not encroach on your free unpaid time
    via Emotional_Half_7679
  • Saloau You need to say "boss name, my work day is over at 5. If you have concerns please see me before then as I must leave at 5 for personal obligations." And then at 5 cut in and say "oh would you look at the time, must dash." And walk away. It's hard asserting yourself and don't be a carpet and let yourself get walked on.
    via Saloau
  • jaygeezythreezy If it's an option, you could always just come in an hour later, too. I agree that boundaries should be respected, but if she's going to insist you stay that extra hour to align to her schedule then come in when she does! (If that's an option)
    via jaygeezythreezy
  • Other-Mess6887 This is the biggest advantage of a carpool. I have to go NOW. Three other guys are waiting for me.
    via Other-Mess6887
  • gsb999 Tell her she can walk with you to the bus stop, car park etc and discuss on the way. When you get to the car, get in and tell her anything else to discuss will have to be taken up in the morning
    via gsb999

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