How to Make the Best of Working With a Lazy Co-worker

A person you see as a lazy co-worker always seems to have a lot of time on his hands. He spends the bulk of the day goofing off, taking extra breaks, talking loudly or performing other actions that result in work disruptions. This co-worker will continue to perform this way as long as your employer allows it. As a result, finding ways to make the best of your situation is extremely important to maintaining success in your career and your sanity.

Instructions

1. Focus on your work rather than the actions of your co-worker. If he is disrupting your work, politely explain to him how his actions are disruptive and ask him to go elsewhere or work with you to make changes to help you such as reduce noise. If your co-worker ignores you, speak privately with a supervisor: explain the ways in which your co-worker's actions have negatively affected your work and the steps you’ve taken to resolve the issue.

2. Keep any feelings anger, frustration or negativity in check at work and deal with these emotions as they occur so they don’t interfere with your performance or make you lazy. Vent your frustrations in a setting away from the office through discussion of the issue with a family member, close friend or counselor. Go for a walk outside, exercise or perform some other form of relaxation during breaks or after work to help deal with stress.

3. Refuse to take on your lazy co-worker’s workload unless a supervisor asks because of a deadline. Explain to your co-worker that you’re a team player, but point out that you have your own work to complete. If a supervisor asks why you refused the work, explain your reasons in detail while making the conversation about the employer’s bottom line. Without sounding as if you’re whining, provide a detailed breakdown of your workload and then volunteer non-exaggerated observations about your co-worker’s actions including past instances when he didn’t meet deadlines and you and your colleagues had to work overtime to pick up the slack.

4. Conduct a performance review if you’re dealing with a lazy employee. Point out the issues at hand, make mention of any complaints you’ve received and discuss ways that you and your employee can work together on this issue. For example, if the employee states that his laziness stems from “lack of work,” point out that he should join other colleagues or come to you for additional work. In addition, explain the negative consequences that will result if the current behavior continues such as removal from upcoming salary or bonus reviews or new projects and the potential for job termination.

Tips & Warnings

• If your supervisor allows it, wear headphones or ear plugs while working to block out distractions from lazy co-workers.

• Never use the word “lazy” when discussing your co-worker with a supervisor. Someone you’ve defined lazy may actually perform his job well — so well that he’s disruptive because he is waiting for direction from your supervisor.

References

• Forbes; 10 Tips for Dealing with a Lazy Co-worker; Jacqueline Smith; August 2011
• U.S. News & World Report; On Careers - How to Make a Lazy Worker Move, or How to Move On From a Lazy Worker; Suzanne Lucas; July 2008
• NJ.com; Disruptive Co-workers Need Tactful Solution; The Associated Press; January 2010