How to Handle Difficult Employees

Handle Difficult Employees

Handling difficult employees can require finesse, patience and a firm hold on your temper. However, the rewards can make the effort well worth it and make the workplace calmer.

Print this article

Instructions

- 1
  
  Document the problems an employee is having.
- 2
  
  Arrange to discuss these problems with the employee.
- 3
  
  Keep the discussion nonconfrontational and focused on performance issues. This is not the time to air personal likes and dislikes.
- 4
  
  Stick to the record when discussing problems. Avoid making accusations.
- 5
  
  Ask employee how he or she plans to address performance problems.
- 6
  
  Set concrete goals and time lines to be met. Involve the employee in creating these goals and developing a strategy to meet them.
- 7
  
  Write a letter of clarification for the employee that documents these goals and the time line involved.
- 8
  
  Meet with the employee again, if the employee fails to meet these goals, and determine whether there are other work-related issues that need to be resolved.

Tips & Warnings

Be willing to look at the shortcomings of you and your company, particularly if you have had a series of difficult employees. Are there ways you could make the work environment less stressful?
Document all problems, discussions and warnings carefully. This is critical if the employee is terminated and the termination is later challenged in court.

Suggest item

Comments

View all 7 Comments

William Oct 04, 2011
great!
roseofsharon Apr 14, 2008
I recenlty started a new supervisory postion in a hospital and I was hired from the outside. There is one particular employee who is very diffuclt. He has a really big chip on his shoulder. I go out of my way every morning to say hello, but all I get is a grunt. How do I handle this.
roseofsharon Apr 14, 2008
I recenlty started a new supervisory postion in a hospital and I was hired from the outside. There is one particular employee who is very diffuclt. He has a really big chip on his shoulder. I go out of my way every morning to say hello, but all I get is a grunt. How do I handle this.
Graciani Jun 10, 2007
factual and relatively precise for upcoming restaurant managers like me.
Graciani Jun 10, 2007
factual and relatively precise for upcoming restaurant managers like me.

How to Handle Employee Attendance Problems
When an employee claims illness but is absent because he wants a three-day weekend, it can result in him showing up for...
How to Handle Difficult Clients
Repeat clients are the foundation of a healthy business. However, not all clients are alike. Here's how to deal with the tough...
How to Handle Employee Complaints
Employee complaints are sometimes the best way of knowing what really is going on with your staff. Therefore, it is important to...
How to Handle an Employee's Attendance Problems
One of the most difficult issues an employer has to deal with is how to handle an employee's attendance problem. In order...
How to Handle an Employee Who Bad-Mouths You
One the most difficult things that managers, supervisors and bosses must deal with are negative employees. Sometimes poor attitudes result in a...
How to Deal with Difficult Employees as a Supervisor
Difficult employees display behaviors that can be discomforting, distracting and/or counter productive to the goals of the organization. The behaviors of a...
How to Handle Employees
Effective employee management can result in an efficient workplace with minimal turnover, ultimately benefiting the bottom line. Continually dealing with disruptive ...
How to Handle an Employee With a Bad Attitude
Working with an employee who has a bad attitude can be unpleasant. Often a bad attitude can poison the workplace environment and...
How to Handle Difficult Employees
In dealing with difficult employees, managers should try to find out what is preventing the employee from doing a good job. Handle...
How to Handle an Employee's Leave of Absence
Employees now are covered under federal legislation that allows for an unpaid leave in the event of a health crisis or an...
How to Handle a Performance Problem
If you are a coworker or not a direct supervisor and are having a problem with another employee, you need to talk...
About Difficult Employees
Difficult employees can make a work environment unpleasant. When you have difficult employees, you may wish you could fire them there on...
How to Deal With a Problem Employee
Everyone likes it when things at the workplace are going smoothly and the employees are productive and efficient. It's easy to work...
How do I Describe Disrespect in an Employee Review?
Conducting an employee review is part of your job as the owner, supervisor, manager or boss in a business. If you supervise...
How to Handle HR Issues
Human resources (HR) professionals are trained to handle HR issues with sensitivity, confidentiality and fairness. All issues must be taken seriously and...
How to Handle a Difficult & Incompetent Boss
Problems with employee-boss relations are some of the most common workplace stressors. In fact, over 30,000 workers filed harassment charges with the...
How to Handle New Employee Orientation
Getting a new employee off on the right foot is crucial to his future success witht company. Here are some ideas to...
How to Manage Employees
Being the boss might sound like a glamorous job until you realize that you actually have to manage employees. Once you realize...
How to Handle an Employee Leave of Absence
When you handle an employee's leave of absence there are a few factors to consider. Following are some tips on how to...
How to Handle Difficult Clients
Handling difficult clients involves making them feel like important and understand and meeting their needs quickly. Learn how to deal with difficult...

How to Handle Difficult Employees

Other People Are Reading

Instructions

Tips & Warnings

More Like This

Comments

You May Also Like

Related Ads

10 Tips for Used Car Shopping

You May Like