How to Ignore Slackers at Work

Slackers do everything but their own work.

When you have to work with a slacker -- or someone who consistently shirks his duties -- frustration can develop. As you observe him coming in late, taking extra long breaks and leaving early, all while slacking off on his work responsibilities, you may be tempted to intervene or turn him in. Making up your mind that you can function efficiently no matter what the slacker does will make ignoring him easier.

Instructions

1. Ask yourself how the slacker's behavior affects you. For instance, if the slacker's behavior annoys you because you and everyone else are expending effort and she is not, she is not directly affecting your work performance. So, if you learn to ignore her, it doesn't matter what she does.

2. Focus on your work responsibilities and forget about the slacker once you have determine that his activities don't affect you. If you find yourself beginning to worry about what the slacker is doing, refocus and continue with your work.

3. Look the other way if you see the slacker doing something she shouldn't. Don't tell on the slacker and waste time getting involved in time-wasting drama. For all you know, her supervisor is handling the problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself some peace of mind by realizing that sooner or later the slacker will change jobs or suffer the consequences of his actions.

• If the slacker is affecting your productivity or endangering someone else, speak to your immediate supervisor about the problem.

References

• "Cosmopolitan": 7 Types of Annoying Coworkers -- And How to Deal With Them; Sara Eckel; Jul 25, 2011
• U.s. News Money: How to Deal With Annoying Co-Workers; Alison Green; June 6, 2011
• "Scrubs Magazine": How do I Deal With Difficult Co-Workers?; Oct 8, 2009