What should i do? My colleague is not doing her job!!!?

Question

my firm has 3 staff (excluding bosses and receptionist). & most of the time, all 3 of us don't have time to even go to the loo!! We have so much work to do. & the receptionist would sometimes go MIA. if not, she will chat with her frens on the phone and ignore other incoming calls. or she will 'act' busy like typing on her PC and will only answer after like 10rings. but she will not do all these if our bosses are around. i can ignore the calls but my other colleagues will answer them. & i feel bad that they hv to answer the calls on their own so i end up helping to take calls if the recep is 'acting'. i dont want to sound snobbish but my work is mostly urgent stuff and my desk is full of files to complete. Might as well she give me her salary if i keep doing her job for her right. i can be patient but i think i'm gonna explode and scream at her one day. i just wish i hv some magic powers to scare her into doing her job properly..do u guys hv any suggesstions?

Answer 1

You can sit down with her (over lunch preferably) and explain how you feel. Keep it professional and try to put yourself in her shoes when you are speaking to her. Remember, she's a coworker, not your employee. You can explain it as weaknesses she can work on and have goals. If she blows you off, then it does need to be taken to the next level. Just make sure you let her know that you will be doing this. (Not in a snobby way please.!)Sit down with your boss and explain what's going on.

IMPORTANT!: Keep notes form now on on her activities when she isn't doing her job. Make sure you have a copy when you go to your boss and present all of it to him/her. Again, approach this professionally and keep emotions out of it. Your boss should see your sincerity and your eagerness to help your coworker with her weakness.

Answer 2

My opinion is that your co worker's performance is not your responsibility - you are not her supervisor, and how she does her job should not be your concern. Don't do her work, concentrate on your own. If the situation is as bad as you say, it will be obvious to others in the office as well as those in a position to make the necessary recommendations about her behavior and what is expected of her on the job.