I have a coworker who doesn't have a higher than average workload, yet she insists on forwarding me every email she receives so that I can print them out for her. She pushes off menial tasks that should not be a problem. It is unfair to me [the receptionist] to have to pick up other employees workload because they are simply too lazy to do so. How can I politely tell them to do their own work?
2007-09-10 06:13:59 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Tell her your point as it is, but without including derogatory context such as (laziness, etc.) You can tell her you have tasks assigned to yourself and you need to do them effectively, and giving way to tasks she is supposed to do would not accommodate to your doing your own tasks. If she resists, you can give a hint, not really a threat...like -----"Let me see what the management can suggest. They might be able to help in this matter to make things easier for both of us."
2007-09-10 06:20:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You said you are the receptionist. Is this one of your job duties, perhaps? I know that sometimes companies have lesser salaried people do some of the "menial" tasks for the higher salaried folks. If this is the case, sorry, I can not advise you to not do it or make a wave about it.
If, however, that is NOT the case, there are lots of kind options for you to use. You can forget to print them out and when the coworker complains, just say, "oh I meant to do it after I finished what I was working on..." Or something like that using words you would normally use.
A bunch of responders said tell the boss, but as an upper level employee myself, I must ask "why?". I believe things are best handled between individuals without boss involvement. Once you start involving the boss, or HR, you are only starting trouble that you ain't gonna be a-wantin'!
Bottom line? Keep your cool and do not raise your voice. If the person gets abusive, you can say something like, "you know I have really tried to help you out, but I am getting so busy now and printing emails for you has become less of a priority. Maybe it is time to figure something else out?" In essence, that is you politely telling them to do their own work. Good luck!
2007-09-10 06:39:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the particular case of the printer, I'd suggest network sharing the printer (if you don't already). That way, she can print from her computer and then go get it in the same time it would take to forward it to you and go get the printout.
In the other cases, mention it to your supervisor/immediate superior in a polite and diplomatic manner. Never try to take on a coworker yourself. It almost never ends well.
2007-09-10 06:18:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are times in life when even the most easy going person must take a stand. You must say to her, "I am sorry I am too busy today to help you." and stick to your guns...I realize this is not fun, I realize this makes you feel like a jerk but in all honesty who is the jerk here - you or them?
You only have to stand up for youself a few times - and you know what? You will actually feel very proud of yourself when it is all over.
2007-09-10 07:55:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would send her emails back to her and tell her you are far to busy with your own workload.And when she ask you to things that are clearly her responsibility, I would tell her maybe she needs to talk to her boss about her demanding workload, or offer to do it for her
2007-09-10 06:19:57 · answer #5 · answered by fanace 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i ask your self what Dorothy's ldl cholesterol point is? And, her blood rigidity? properly, if she would not choose for to pass with you to ethnic eating places, do no longer problem too lots. She is the single dropping out. And, for the checklist, lots of the Asian eating places cook dinner for an American palate (flavor). I actually have a chum who's of chinese language history. Her mom made genuine chinese language nutrients- no longer the stir fry stuff offered on the take out places. i do no longer consume pickles, the two, yet i do no longer think of they're nasty. Pizza, by ways got here to Italy by way of China and Marco Polo, yet which could be lost on Dorothy. pass to the eating places of your selection and pass away the finicky Dorothy at the back of. no could pass to the quick nutrients places just to thrill her.
2016-10-10 07:42:19 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When a boss or someone has you do their work they're saying that's what they have you around for. So if you don't want to do it, start looking for a job elsewhere, and also be willing to include on your new resume all those skills you've learned doing their work. If mentioning in a bright tone of voice that you are busy does not catch someone's attention and make them think twice, then maybe mentioning what you could add to your new resume will.
2007-09-10 06:27:10 · answer #7 · answered by *october girl* 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Im sad to hear that!
I have a coworker too but we share work. When Im busy she does it for me, and sometime sI do it for her.
Send her some work too!
Tell her I need help on this, hopefully she will get the point, ot tell her
I have work to do, I dont thik Im going to be able to help you, Ill let you know when I can.
2007-09-10 06:17:14 · answer #8 · answered by yolie857 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You say, "I have no problem helping you manage your tasks, but in the meantime, I must prioritize my own before assisting you with yours. I will get back to you once all of my tasks are completed. What are you doing for lunch?"
2007-09-10 06:19:12 · answer #9 · answered by anaise 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go on holiday for two weeks and let everyone else find out how lazy and useless the colleague is.
Enjoy the holiday and blank the colleague (to a certain extent) when you return!
2007-09-10 06:17:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋