How Do You Deal With A Co-Worker Who Is Constantly Slacking Off?

Question

I wouldn't really care, but his slacking off is causing me triple the work. We both work in the computer field and when he doesn't complete an assignment, the boss hands it off to me.

He's a good guy, however he is stretching our friendship to the limits!

Answer 1

Had the same thing happen to me. After a time of covering for him / her, I finally wised up. Just let this person's assignments go... and when they're not done, just admit that ____ didn't get them done. Period. If that doesn't work, talk to your supervisor and say, "I like ____, but he / she's not pulling his / her weight. I don't feel it's fair to others to have to do our own jobs and his as well!"

Answer 2

I know how you feel. I have many types of jobs through my life and I have always worked hard. I have worked with many people who don't. They do as little as possible. There is always at least one in the crowd. I would find another department where you don't have to share responsiblity with this person. I have not ever found that talking to the co worker who slacks is effective and bosses have bigger problems to worry about and as long as the work gets done they really don't care how or by who.

Answer 3

I find that honesty truly is the best policy. In handling this situation, talk to your co-worker directly first. You don't have to be harsh or accusatory in order to express your concerns. Use "I feel" sentences such as "I feel frustrated when I am given your work", and stay away from absolutes like "You always slack on your responsibilities!" Also, empower your co-worker by saying something like "I know WE can come up with a solution to this. Do YOU have any ideas?" If this doesn't work the first time, try it a second time. If your co-worker is still slacking off after that, then maybe it's time to suggest to him that the two of you go to your superior with the problem. If you present the problem to your boss, the fact that you attempted twice on your own to peacefully solve the problem will show him/her that you are a competent and proactive employee who is able to independently handle conflict with diplomacy and poise.

Answer 4

Oh honey I'm so glad I came across this question. Nothing pisses me off more then for me to have to go to work and bust my a*s while some other individual might be sipping tea/coffee; filing their fingernails while talking on the telephone all day long. This is one way of handling such situations of slacking. 1-Document everything you see and hear. 2- If you have a telephone w/camera and video, take pictures so you have photo proof and 3-Keep your business to yourself, don't give a heads up on what you're going to do to no one on the job because sometimes even the people that claim that they're your friends and buddies ain't sh*t! They'll be the 1st to backstab you! Remember mum's the word! Then you can take the evidence to your boss!

Answer 5

Go to the friend with dozens of questions about the project you have been given that used to be his. He will realize that you are having to cover his butt and start to produce more. You can also mention to your boss that the other work you have is being slowed down because of all the things you are having to do to cover the extra work. The back checking you have to do would be easier if you just had the project from the start. It might mean you get more stuff than you would without picking up his stuff, but should result in less pass off work.

Answer 6

You need to read "How to live on twenty four hours a day". I believe you may be working too hard. I've had this problem my whole life. I work hard. I always have, always will. I run my own small business now. If you work for a company you are expected to do your job. It is more important to be on time than to actually do aything while you are there. My advice is to read that book(the text is available online for free), don't worry about what others are doing, and stop working so hard! The biggest slacker in High School was the one with the 4.0.

Answer 7

Well I have a co-worker who does the same thing. I just brought it to my bosses attention and put it in a way that the customer is not having their work handled in a timely fashion. If the boss doesn't seem to understand what you are telling him/her then just come out and say that you have noticed that there are things that can be improved about -person- and you have some ideas to help.

Answer 8

Maybe you are working harder instead of smarter. Maybe you should start slacking off and he'll get more work handed to him. With you doing all the work there's no reason for him to hold up his end as he knows you always do. If he's a friend then take him out for drinks after work and find out what's wrong - maybe he can't handle this stressful job.

Answer 9

Blunt! As a partner in charge of operations, in the mortgage industry no less, bluntness is a great tool. If your talks don't go anywhere with your co-worker, then you need to present a logical case to your supervisor.

Remove your emotions and simply let your supervisor know that his lack of work is causing job turn times to double and it is begining to lose the department money. Present your case so that your co-workers actions are costing the company, and more importantly, your supervisor serious financial losses.

And always remember - the squeaky wheel always gets the oil.

Answer 10

Start by handing him his share of the work assignment, and say here's your assignment. Document what he says, does, what his share of the assignment was, and check back to see if he is doing his share, if not, tell him to get it done, you will not take the blame if it isn't done. Document everything. Time and date. If it isn't finished on time, report him. And be prepared to answer questions about how this isn't the first time he has slacked off.
You are being taken advantage of, my friend. Your friend Mr. Nice Guy, isn't so nice. Bet you when you turn him in, Mr. Nice Guy will try to get you in trouble. Mr. Nice guy may really be Mr. get you to do all my work, and stab you in the back for doing it Guy.
Hope he isn't teacher's pet, or the boss's favorite nephew, you are sunk if he is. Get used to triple work, or just go get in the unemployment line ,now, before he lies and makes you look bad, and spoils your good reputation.
Good luck, been there, done that. And I left the job, but not in time, she got me, overinflating a situation that had no meaning at all, until she put her spin on it, and told whoppers to her supervisor about me.It's on my permanent work record, now. All because she did not "like me". Real professional of her.
Again, good luck.

Answer 11

As a manager, here's my suggestion.Don't come to me to rat on someone and don't talk about your feelings. It's not that I don't care, it's that neither leads me closer to solving a problem. Try to solve it yourself, especially if you're friends. But, if you feel your friendship may be impacted or talking directly to the slacker doesn't work, then come to me. If you do, talk impact. Talk facts. Leave the rest to me. "Here's (slacker's) work as you requested. It only too me __ hours/days to do it. Could you please talk to (slacker) and get him to perform more consistently in the future? This is causing my workload to triple." That simple!
If I'm doing my job (as your manager) I'll recognize the slacking based on the above info you just gave. I'm paid to eliminate these problems for you. In that sense, I report to you. If the slackers behavior doesn't change quickly, I've failed you. Escalate the issue to my boss. It could very well be that I'm your real problem, not the slacker.
To those who said they'd confront the slacker, you're half way there. Obviously, I agree. But do it quickly and painlessly, otherwise you're just taking on someone else's (my) work again.
To the people who wrote "don't do it", you're insane. That puts the negative on you while missing a great chance to impress superiors. Taking on extra workload is promotion material. Find a union job... quickly.