MANILA, Philippines — As a sign of professionalism and respect for others, punctuality is an important value one must possess. In a corporate setting, punctual employees are deemed reliable and efficient.
But did you know that punctuality is also linked to a country’s economic development? Studies show that countries that put a high value on punctuality, hand in hand with discipline and strong work ethic, are most likely to be progressive.
Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, and South Korea were among the highest-ranking countries in the 2018 Social Progress Index. Let’s take a look at some of the most punctual people in the world. Perhaps we can all learn a thing or two from them.
Switzerland
The Swiss are highly efficient people. In fact, they get a sense of genuine joy when life unfolds on time and in an efficient manner. They also believe that by being punctual, you value them.
Facts about Switzerland:
Switzerland is the world’s watchmaking capital. The Swiss are also known for precision, so it’s no wonder they are always on time!
Coffee shops in Swiss cities tend to be crowded at 4 p.m. every day because everybody takes their coffee breaks at this hour.
Denmark
Danes are always ahead of time, whether for business or social meetings. They are also known multi-taskers–juggling day jobs, volunteer work, sports, and social life all at once. With a myriad of tasks and appointments, punctuality is very important to them. Otherwise, they risk compromising the flow of their daily lives.
Fact about Denmark:
The World Clock in Copenhagen began keeping time in 1955, and is expected to accurately keep time for the next 570,000 years!
Japan
The Japanese are trained at an early age to be punctual and regard punctuality with very high respect. This is highly evident in their lifestyle. For instance, their Shinkansen bullet train is never late. Or in case it arrives even just one minute late, the driver or conductor has to bow to every passenger and apologize for the one delay.
Fact about Japan:
The average annual delay of the Shinkansen bullet trains is 36 seconds!
Germany
Punctuality or Pünktlichkeit is what Germans are worldly renowned for. They are one of the countries to become heavily industrialized, and therefore, highly values efficiency and timeliness.
Fact about Germany:
Do NOT arrive late when invited for dinner. The host will consider this extremely rude.
The Netherlands
The Dutch take punctuality very seriously, especially on business affairs; they expect you to do the same! Missed appointments, postponements, changes in schedule or late deliveries will deteriorate their trust in you.
Fact about the Netherlands:
Dutch children are taught how to create schedules as early as primary school. To them, everything must be according to schedule including work, meals and recreational activities.
South Korea
Confucian values are deeply ingrained in South Korean culture. They respect authority and behave virtuously. They are also hard workers and are never late. To them, tardiness is a sign of disrespect. If you are running late for an appointment, calling ahead is a must.
Fact about South Korea:
Restaurants will not accept customers an hour before they close.
These countries are not only the most punctual in the world, but they also have one of the world’s most progressive economies. They understand the value of time adherence as a driver of business efficiency and economic development. And as citizens, they contribute by paying their taxes on time.
Governments around the world rely on taxes in order to provide its citizens with basic services. Paying taxes is everyone’s civic duty.
Here in the Philippines, tax money helps support government projects and programs that will also benefit the marginalized sector.
Luckily, tax payments have now been made easier with Lanbank Link.Biz Portal, an online payment platform that provides an easier and more convenient way to pay taxes.
To know more about Landbank’s Link.Biz Portal, visit www.landbank.com.