[Temporary_User]

Somewhat related. I've worked at two different companies doing the exact same thing.

Company A, we would all show up early, punch in and then socialize while we got our work boots and gear on. Company didn't care. Nothing was said and literally everyone did this.

Company B, everyone would just show up at random times, but most would show up in their boots and gear ready to work. When I started here, I would show up early punch in and then go get my stuff on. This company cared though. Told me once not to punch in until I was ready to work. Alright, payroll obviously starts paying from time punched in rather than start time.

I think that is the main difference. Do you pay from times or from the punch in clock?
I've even had a company that required everyone to punch in and out for lunch. Just to strictly enforce that lunch was only half and hour. Go over the half, and the time will be deducted from your pay.

One more thing, Company A paid a great wage. Company B's wage was decent and they had an incentive.
Company A was a much better place to work at. For me and everyone else. If company A had a problem with something you did, they would say something right away and fix it. Company B would typically let it go un-stated until the bonus pay-day. Then when you were expecting a nice big cheque, it would be lower than what you had planned for because each and every little thing got docked from it.
Instead of an incentive cheque, it was more a carrot that they dangled in front of you just to whip away as soon as you got close. Everyone resented it.