When asked what they mean by this statement, they immediately refer to those employees who can be counted on to be present and on time at the start of the work day.
Time is money to everyone.
This is not new. Regardless of the type of employment you have, being present and on time is very important. Being 10 minutes late each day for a week adds up to almost one hour for a five-day work week. Someone must pay for this time lost if a clock isn't being punched. In the long run this shortfall in time is paid by the consumer.