How to Handle a Passive-Aggressive Coworker

Avoid confrontation when dealing with a passive-aggressive co-worker.

While everyone at work is expected to do his job in order to maintain work flow and productivity, you may encounter a colleague who refuses to be a team player. The stubborn colleague may not be outright hostile, but will display symptoms of passive-aggression, through chronic lateness, excuses and procrastination. Rather than confront the seemingly lazy co-worker and cause a scene, it is important to maintain patience and cautiously deal with the colleague to diffuse the situation.

Instructions

1. Write down work assignments, and include the required time-line and deadline for the assignment. By writing down the expectations, you can avoid the passive-aggressive co-worker's tendency to feign ignorance when a deadline is missed.

2. Avoid talking about your personal life. While the passive-aggressive co-worker seems friendly, she may go behind your back and tell your personal information to others. Keep your conversations light and free of gossip, as the passive-aggressive person may divulge your thoughts to others, in order to stir up trouble in the workplace.

3. Remain calm. Avoid emotional outbursts or confrontation with the passive-aggressive co-worker, as this is frowned upon at work, and can result in suspension or termination depending on the severity of the situation. Stay friendly toward them, as the co-worker may act out, if he detects you're anger.

4. Report the co-worker to your supervisor. Take notes as proof of the incidents, to back up your complaint. Send an email to your supervisor or call her to ask to speak with her privately, when the co-worker is not present.

References

• Employee Assistant Services: The Passive-Aggressive Co-Worker