[yokohama11]

It seems like it's a direct IT support position. Meaning that someone is supposed to be there ready to answer calls/problems from 9AM to whenever. Clients, whether internal or external do not want to call in at 9:15 and hear that they can't be helped because XXX hasn't come to work yet, especially when they've got an agreement from you that you will be open at 9AM every day.

If you are in support like that, you generally do need to be at work exactly on time. Same as being a cashier, factory worker, etc.

It's not like being a programmer, sysadmin, etc where exact hours typically don't matter much as long as you're available for meetings and the work gets done.

[dooptroop]

Sure, it's unfortunate if nobody answers the phone, or is not there to open a franchised store etc.

I just don't buy into the whole 11 workers do 10% more work than 10, or that 8 hours is more productive than 7.5. In any business that is, not just "brain work". Far-east sweat shop exempt.

[emir_]

I don't know. I've worked for grocery stores when I was in high school and one cashier running 15 minutes late was always noticeable, especially early in the mornings and late at night.