They say
“If my work gets done, why does it matter when I’m here?”
Your response
“It matters if your availability affects customers, coverage, or other people’s work. Let’s be clear about the dependency. If there isn’t one, I need to reconsider why I’m requiring that start time.”
First, check this
What specific service, coverage, or coordination need depends on this employee being present at that time?
Why this works
The response ties the boundary to work rather than tradition, visibility, or managerial preference. It lets the manager explain a real dependency without claiming that fixed hours are always necessary. It also requires the manager to reconsider a rule that serves no operational purpose. Any contractual, legal, or policy question remains outside this page and must be handled in its proper context.
Don’t say
“Because those are the hours, and everyone else manages.”