How to Deal With Difficult Co-Workers

What one co-worker thinks is funny can be bullying to the other.

Although there may several types of difficult co-workers, the one trait they all share is they can make you uncomfortable and cause you stress. Not only can they impact your personal well-being, they can also impact your work performance. Stop allowing a difficult co-worker to do both by taking steps to change the situation. Although it may be challenging at first, unless you deal with the difficult co-worker the behavior will continue. Although you may want to handle the situation initially by yourself, if the behavior escalates you might need to seek assistance from superiors. If necessary, do not hesitate to do so.

Instructions

Co-Workers Who Bully or Harass

1. Refuse to accept the behavior. The next time it occurs, in a calm voice inform the co-worker that this type of behavior is unacceptable in the work environment and that you will not accept it. Inform him that you will contact the human resources department or a supervisor unless the behavior stops immediately and then walk away. This puts your co-worker on notice that the behavior must stop.

2. Document the behavior. Write down the date and details about the exchange, and include any possible witnesses. This will provide a record for future use in the event that the harassment does not stop.

3. Continue going about your work day as normal. If the behavior occurs again, walk away rather than allow the abuse to continue.

4. Contact human resources (HR) or your supervisor immediately. Explain the situation and the step you took to stop the behavior. Request their intervention to stop the behavior.

5. Comply with all directives from HR and your supervisor regarding the situation. If the behavior continues, contact an attorney.

Non-Threatening but Difficult Co-Workers

1. Identify how the difficult co-worker impacts your job duties and write down specific examples, including the consequences. Some examples include providing work late, missing deadlines, distracting behavior or stealing credit for your work.

2. Speak privately to the co-worker about the situation. Focus the discussion on the objectionable behavior and give concrete examples. Inform the co-worker that the behavior will no longer be tolerated.

3. Continue your normal work duties. When the behavior occurs, remind the co-worker of your previous discussion. For example, use a polite tone and offer the suggestion that she contact her supervisor if she requires additional time to complete an assignment. Inform her that if the assignment is not on your desk when it is due you will inform your supervisor.

4. Send an email to both the co-worker and your supervisor regarding the situation. Using the example of the late assignment, ask your supervisor how she wants you to handle the assignment without the input.

5. Prepare and send emails with a cc to you boss for all future work exchanges with the difficult co-worker. For example, include the assignment required and the date it is due in the initial email. If it is not on your desk in a timely manner, confirm non-delivery with an email. The paper trail will indicate and document to your supervisor where the problem lies in the work flow.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the offensive when dealing with difficult co-workers.

• Document the behavior to protect your work reputation.

• Speak to an attorney about bullying, harassment or discriminatory behavior.

References

• "O" magazine; Scary Work Scenario: And I Have to Spend All Day with These People?; Suzy Welch; September 2007
• Department of Transportation: Preventing Sexual Harassment: A Fact Sheet For Employees
• MSN Careers; Difficult Co-Workers Getting You Down?; Selena Dehne

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish