How to Deal With a Lazy Coworker When a Boss Doesn't Care

Dealing with a lazy co-worker can quickly work your nerves.

Dealing with a lazy co-worker is already challenging and a great source of irritation, but when your boss doesn't appear to care, the problem is compounded. This gives the co-worker reign to continue her unprofessional behavior, which can impact your ability to do your job. However, there are ways to address the issue, so you don't have to bear the brunt of her laziness.

Instructions

1. Determine how much of your job responsibilities interact with your co-worker's. If this is simply a case of sour grapes because she gets to be lazy and you don't, but there is no real effect on your job, then don't worry about it. It will come back to bite her one day. But if you have shared responsibilities, such as an office-wide project, and she isn't carrying her load, it's worth pursuing. Start by listing out what shared responsibilities you have with this person.

2. Approach her about her lazy habits and explain how they affect you. You can do so without being rude or unprofessional. Instead, don't be accusatory; simply point out that the two of you have conflicting work processes and explore ways to improve the situation. If she gets defensive, diffuse the situation by working on solutions instead of pointing fingers.

3. Submit a written complaint to your boss and copy human resources on the correspondence. Even if your boss doesn't appear to care, you still need to follow the chain of command in addressing the situation. In addition, by copying human resources on your correspondence, you've got proof that you did in fact address the issue with your boss. Again, don't point fingers or accuse your co-worker of laziness. Simply state the facts and point out areas where tasks or project responsibilities are lacking due to her work habits and how that affects you.

4. Follow up with human resources if the behavior continues. While your boss or human resources rep can't tell you what action has been taken, you will know if something has changed and if it continues to affect your ability to get your work done. If it has not, make an appointment with your boss and human resources rep and request a re-assignment to avoid working with your colleague, so that you can focus on your position without regard for her laziness.

5. Take the credit. If nothing is being done and you don't have to jump through numerous human resources rings, then do the work yourself. In the end, this is an opportunity for you to shine, so if she is slacking on her tasks for a certain project or area of responsibilities, just pick up the slack. In the end, when you hit the project out of the ballpark or excel in a certain area, the credit -- and possible bonus -- will come your way instead of hers. Just don't be afraid to speak up and take credit for your work.

References

• Oprah.com: How To Deal With A Lazy Coworker