What should I say to my co-worker?

Question

I'm paid to start work at 12:00. At that exact minute the place that I work is scheduled to open, and I am supposed to open it. I feel that if they want me to be there before 12:00, they should pay me to start at 11:45 or something.

I arrive every day at 11:55 with the keys to open. I get it open and presentable to our customers by 12:00 at the very latest (it doesn't take long to turn on the lights and computers). However, one of my co-workers always arrives before me. EVERY time I come into work she says, "Wow! I was really starting to worry that you wouldn't come!"

I'm getting really sick of hearing her make that comment EVERY time I come to work. The worst part is that she sits at her desk all day doing nothing while I do the work for both of us. I don't want to start a fight, and I've already tried being polite by saying, "Don't worry, I'm always on time!" but nothing seems to work. She sounds like a broken record. What should I say / do next time?

The thing is, there really isn't any reason for me to start earlier because it only takes about two minutes to get things open. It's not a store, it's an office. If I arrive at 11:55 I can put away my coat and purse, turn on the lights and turn on the computers all before 12:00.

Answer 1

You should reply "Wow! I was really starting to worry that you wouldn't use that same old corny line again!"

Answer 2

First off I would talk to your boss about your schedule or clock in when you get there. If you don't just want to go to your boss then go in at 11:45 and clock in or write down that's when I started then keep a close eye on your pay check see what happens if they don't pay you for that 15 minutes say something. As for the cocky co-worker say I'm scheduled for 12 when are you scheduled for? See what her response is to that. You can take the conversation from there. Good luck!

Answer 3

Unless the other broad is a supervisor, ignore her.

As for your start time, advise your bosses that if you start 15 minutes early, and leave 15 mintues early, you will have the store in a better position to appeal to the customers.

Answer 4

omg! are you her boss? you said she is there before you,does that mean she has keys as-well? Some people just need to be told to mind their own business. Although if you are her boss ,fire her *** for sitting around or print a list of office daily routine. If you are not the boss , tell your boss about the issues are having because if you don't you are the one creating a hostile work enviorment for yourself.

Answer 5

I know it is irratating but TRY to ignore her.

Or, if you want to take the 'snippy with a giggle' route:

Say something like "Seriously, we go through this everyday, how many ways can I say that I'll be here? But don't worry, if I am not here that means the day off for you!"

Answer 6

I don't know what business you are in, but I am a hairdresser, and if our hours say we open at nine am that means we are set up and ready to accept clients at nine am. People expect that you will be there and ready for business at the time that you say you are open!
As long as your store is open and ready, who cares?
As far as the problems with your coworker, take care of it through management, don't try to resolve it yourself.

Answer 7

Sometimes you have to tell people off just to get them to leave you alone. Tell her don't worry about what time you come in, worry about her own time. Tell her to pay you out of her check the extra 15 minutes and then you could come in early,bet she leave you alone then.