Trouble with coworker?

Question

8 months ago I was transfered to an exclusive division of my company. The woman I share an office with has 10 years seniority and is exploiting me. She leaves just about everyday 2-3 hours before the office closes. I am stuck taking her calls, doing her work, etc. along with my own work. I have had to stay over and finish her stuff (leaving it is not an option). I have made sure our boss knows how hectic it gets without her and I think he said something to her because lately she only leaves when he's not around (2-3 days a week). On holidays we only have to come in long enough to get the basics done. She left me there while she went shopping. I finished my work and had to sit there 2 hours while she did her work. I could have been with my family. Her kids call and say they need her at school to get her out. We are salaried so it doesn't affect her pay or attendance. The boss has made it clear we have to work out covering each other ourselves. How do I handle this?

We work closely and share an office so I don't want to cause tension, not to mention I am fairly new. This is really good job otherwise.

I didn't actually go to the boss. I just made sure he saw the chaus (?) in there when she is gone. Once he seemed to be upset that she left but I don't think he got harsh with her. He sort of pets everyone there (me included except for this). I have just always taken responsibility for my own work and feel that others should too.

Answer 1

I feel sorry for you. Not only do you have to work with someone exploiting you but you have a boss who isn't "bossing." I would arrange to meet with your boss' boss and say, "I have a problem (which we know is really your boss) I don't know how to resolve & I would appreciate it if you could advise me as to how I should handle it." State the situation as clearly as you did here. Be calm & whatever you do, don't get emotional. Bosses hate emotional. Good luck. My problem was my supervisor and I used this approach. Fortunately, his supervisor responded to me favorably & my problem was resolved by the appropriate person. This only works when you have a good case - & you certainly do. I'm not so sure that you should deal directly with your office mate. She knows exactly what she's doing & why would she want to change anything since any change would be to her disadvantage. Appealing to her sense of fairness wouldn't work 'cuz if it did, she wouldn't be doing it in the 1st place. Although in many situations a talk with one's co-worker helps, this isn't one of them.
If you don't feel that you can go over your boss' head, then I truly hope that someone here will be able to give you more helpful advice.

Answer 2

I worked with a woman who came in 2 hours late every day and I too was stuck answering her calls and doing her work. She also left an hour early every day to pick up her kids from school. Sometimes she would bring them back to the office and sometimes she just went home. But when I sat back and looked at everything in her eyes, she had been at that office for 7 years. She payed her dues. She also had a woman when she started working there doing the same thing to her. Just suck it up until you've got your 10 in or you'll risk losing your job. Trust me, if she's been there for 10 years, the boss will lose you first.

Answer 3

Confrontation is the answer. This doesn*t sound good at all. How can one get paid and not do ones work? Isn*t that stealing from the company? Where is the conscience of this person? And what is with this boss? Is he covering for her wrong-doing? and why? In your sweetness personality tell her, We need to talk! This covering is not coming out even. Since you already went to your boss and If this continues is it possible to file a grievance? Also, is this the policy of the new person at this place if so, I guess you just try to cope. Pray alot that is how I deal with the slackers and often things take a new turn!

Answer 4

Being frustrated at work will lead to performance issues. Attempt to dicuss it with her, explain and be honest and approach without emotion and without seeming hostile. You have the same amount of rights as she does.

You are in control of your career. Don't wait for the boss to notice the problem, get proactive and do it with a positive attitude.

Answer 5

The boss is aware of the problem and chooses to ignore it. This leaves you with only two alternatives quit or put up with it.

Answer 6

It turns out like she has a significant quandary and it is higher off that the little woman is along with her father. Telling your paintings that your youngster is lifeless as an excuse to name off? Wow. I might obviously desire that leadership has a little bit speak along with her. I have no idea if that is anything she might be fired for however whether it is, she higher be! I would not desire anybody that bloodless and mentally volatile running with me.

Answer 7

Seniority or not ...there is no reason your boss would fire your for pointing out your coworkers complacent behavior. I would again talkto you boss and tell them what is going on when they are not around.