You are scheduled to leave at 6 pm, but your replacement worker does not show up. What is the most professional way to handle this situation?

Introduction / Context:
This scenario tests reliability, responsibility, and customer focus. Shift based roles, especially in customer service or operations, depend on smooth handover between employees. If the next person does not arrive, the organisation may be left without cover. Interviewers want to know whether you will protect customers and business continuity while also respecting your own limits and using proper communication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Your scheduled shift ends at 6 pm.
• Your replacement has not arrived on time.
• You may have personal plans after work, but you also have a duty to the company.
• There is a supervisor or manager who can make decisions about overtime and backup staff.

Concept / Approach:
The best approach is to treat continuity of service as a shared responsibility and to communicate quickly with your supervisor. You should not simply walk out without informing anyone, because that can leave customers unsupported and create risk for the business. At the same time, you are not expected to stay indefinitely without approval. By contacting your supervisor, offering to cover temporarily, and helping to arrange alternative coverage, you show teamwork, flexibility, and respect for both company needs and your own limits.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: At or just before 6 pm, if your replacement has not arrived, call or message them once to check whether they are delayed, if this is permitted.Step 2: Immediately inform your supervisor or duty manager that your replacement is not present and explain the situation.Step 3: Offer to stay on duty for a reasonable additional period, such as until another colleague arrives or the manager decides on a plan.Step 4: Follow the instructions from your supervisor, which may include authorised overtime, temporary closure of some services, or reallocation of staff.Step 5: Once proper coverage is in place or the manager releases you, complete any quick handover notes and then leave as agreed.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most company policies state that employees should not leave critical work areas unattended. Supervisors rely on staff to report absences promptly so that they can arrange cover. Employees who simply walk away at the end of their shift without informing anyone may be considered irresponsible, especially in roles where safety or customer service is at stake. Option A reflects the expected behaviour: communicate, assist, and coordinate with management.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B suggests leaving at 6 pm without telling anyone, which could leave the workplace unmanned and harm customers or operations. Option C proposes locking the office and cutting off phones, which is extreme and may violate company policy. Option D focuses on scolding the absent colleague in front of customers, which is unprofessional and does not solve the coverage issue.

Common Pitfalls:
Some employees think only in terms of their exact shift time and forget that professional responsibility includes ensuring a smooth handover. Others agree to stay much longer without informing managers, which can create problems for scheduling and overtime. A strong answer balances flexibility with proper communication and shows that you think like a member of a team, not just an individual timekeeper.

Final Answer:
The most professional action is to inform your supervisor immediately, stay on duty for a reasonable time to cover operations if possible, and help arrange alternative coverage before leaving.