How do you handle a coworker from Hell?

Question

I've been working with a female coworker who has become a nightmare! Several years ago, things were fine, we worked well together, and even hung out occasionally. Our jobs require the two of us to work together as a team. Things began to change for the worse about 1 1/2 years ago. Her partying got out of control with drinking/drugs during the week. She'd come into work hung over & not able to do the work.Our work environment is unsupervised and for a governmental agency. Her endless personal problems (resulting from her drinking) have her missing at least 2 days a week. When she's there, she takes extended lunches instead of the half hour we're given & leaves the office numerous times throughout the day for 15-20 min. On top of this, she refuses to admit she needs help & acts like "what's the problem?". I've complained to management so many times, they're tired of hearing it. They've taken some discipline steps but not enough to change anything. Anyone have suggestions?

Answer 1

If you haven't begun yet, document everything! Keep extensive documentation, showing detailed occurrences. After documenting the facts (not emotions, not feelings) for about three months, make an appointment with your direct supervisor. If she will not take action, go to the next level of management, and keep going until you reach the human Resource Manager.

I also work for government, and jobs are so secure that it is difficult to get the bad employee out. It is possible, however, and it begins with a written reprimand from her supervisor, backed with documentation stating dates, times late or absent, and what mistakes were made and/or what work was incomplete. Don't cover for her!

The Supervisor needs to make the reprimand detailed and outline the problem areas as well as specific steps that must be taken to change the poor performance in a set period of time. If the employee can not meet the conditions of the contract signed by her and the supervisor, then further disciplinary action can be taken. It is a process, but the final step is termination!

Answer 2

Your wife is right. Why don't you want to hurt this woman's feelings? Are you encouraging this? If it's causing fights at home, it's time to get down and dirty with the girl. It's way past time to call a halt. If she still persists, let her know that you are filing on her for sexual harassment and tell your boss. Letting your wife handle it would definitely work, but this is something you should handle yourself, if for no other reason than to prove to your wife that she means more to you than anything or anyone else. If she has to take care of the problem, which she would, swiftly and brutally, there would always be that question in her mind as to why you didn't.

Answer 3

You said you are working for a governmental agency. Why don't you apply for another job with that agency or another one. Usually government agencies have many job listings for employees. I wonder if she belongs to a minority group and they are reluctant to take the proper steps to make her straighten up and fly right.

Answer 4

I say set her *ss up. She is asking for it. Some type of deadline or project, left entirely up to her then don't help or cover for her in any way. Jeopardize it even, tell her you have it then bail. If she is as bad as you make her out, she will get what is coming to her sooner than later.

Good luck!

Answer 5

try no to rely on her
eventually she should come to her senses
maybe recomend a recovery or rehab center to her
ya never know
it might work

Answer 6

Ask for a transfer or a new partner, since they don't want to get rid of her.

Answer 7

Throw her out the third floor window if you have one.

Answer 8

Crosses and holy water.

Answer 9

ex-lax her candy every day she wont last long