How should you deal with a difficult co-worker?

Question

I just started a new job a month ago, don't really talk with anyone cause I don't have much in common with the people I work with. Most of them are about 5-7 years younger then me. So, there is this one particular girl that for some reason doesn't like me. Makes a point to make fun of me with a manager and try and say things to the point that she doesn't like I can hear it when she knows I can...for example. I don't like any of the new people except susan and may. Or makes fun of my weight with the manager and says it right as I walk by and doesn't like I didn't hear? What is the best way to deal with a situation so I can be professional. Thanks!

Answer 1

I was going to tell you to ignore her and she'll give up eventually and find someone else to pick on, but that was before you said she makes fun of your weight. That is inexcusable, abusive, and it's also discrimination. You can still ignore it if you can and if you want to, but personally, I would go to HR or whoever the top manager is if there is no HR and report her and the manager who listens to her. That is wrong, wrong, wrong. I'm really sorry you're going through this.

Answer 2

When you talked about this person making fun of your weight, that is considered harassement and is not to be tolerated in any workplace.
I am a manager for an electronics firm and have many employees working for me. My company does not tolerate harassement of any kind for any employee. It is against the employment rights of equal opportunity.
Please speak with your boss or the Human Resources dept and let them know this is going on.
Many things happen in situations where you are new to a company. Other persons in the company that have been there for a long time can become jealous of new people because they think that their jobs might be in jeopardy or that they will lose commissions or bonuses. Don't let this person harass you any more. The next time she does say something that you hear, write it down and keep notes of what is said.
Then present this evidence to your boss or your Human Resources person.
Remember: You are in the right-harassment is ILLEGAL and should not be tolerated.
Good luck.
P.S. Did you get any brochures or an employee handbook from your employer when you started? It probably says those things in there about harassment, swearing, etc.

Answer 3

Try looking the errant co-worker in the eye and telling them the truth. If they're doing something to annoy you, tell them about it and give them an opportunity to amend their ways.

If they fail to appreciate your honesty and continue with their "difficult" ways, then be more blunt and, if possible, insist that they stay away from you and out of your affairs.

Failing at all of this, since you most likely don't want to regress to our more basic instincts of becoming rude, yelling or becoming violent, report the behavior to your supervisor [documenting the date, time and setting of the report to protect yourself if things escalate]. As a last resort, go to your Human Resources Department and inform them that you're being harassed by the "difficult" co-worker.

In all situations, no matter what the other person has done, you have to give them an opportunity to see the error of their ways and make amends before taking more drastic action that may have long reaching consequences for both the "difficult" worker and possibly even yourself. Having taken the higher road, if push comes to shove with your superiors, you should have the upper hand by having demonstrated that you were the more mature and professional employee and tried to correct the problem.

Answer 4

To make you feel better, understand that the person making fun of you is doing that to take pressure or attention off herself or her own inadequacies. Also, she is projecting her own negative self-esteem onto others, to make herself feel better. Unfortunately, I don't think there's anything you can do to change someone else. You can approach her about this, but depending on your tact, and her defensiveness, it may become worse. You can try to speak to a supervisor, but again, she may become defensive and retaliatory. The best thing for you to do to be professional is to not respond angrily. This is a very tough situation, and if it continues, you may have to find another job. One of the most important things about where you work, is who you're working with. If you can't get along, then you'll hate coming to work.

Answer 5

be at liberty to seek for paintings, yet do no longer leave till you have a minimum of tried to handle those blockheads. you will discover paintings lower back, yet there is different blockheaded co-workers at your new place. And it feels like they are the only ones ruining your pastime. attempt ignoring them, and if that would not paintings, talk on your boss or confront them your self. in case you do confront them, verify you're saying the priority is with their habit, no longer with them. And do it merely while they have completed the offensive habit. you do no longer could make the war of words indignant or hysterical -- merely tell them your concerns the main suitable you could. Your anger in all probability could galvanize their anger. You in no way understand why co-workers act the way they do. perhaps there are problems at abode, or possibly something's incorrect with their wellbeing. Or, perhaps they are merely blockheads.

Answer 6

I would pull her aside one day and confront her. say something like, "you know, I cant help but overhear some of the terrible things you say about me and I really dont appreciate it. I'm not too sure why you dont like me, but regardless, we work together, therefore, we need to be able to be civil to each other. talking about my weight in considered discrimination and I wont stand for it. consider this your warning. If I hear about it again, we will be meeting with the HR department." and turn and walk away with your head held HIGH. good luck.

Answer 7

start documenting everything that is said,
keep a little notebook in your pocket,
when you have documented several incidents and have had enough--- go to human resources.
Or contact your local EEOC office and file a complaint.
That is harassment and discrimination.

P.S. what in the hell kind of manager lets an employee talk about someone's weight in their presence???

Answer 8

In front of the manager, ask her : why are you being abusive?

She will have a flippant response.

You then say: I can lose weight, but you need therapy.

I did this when I was overweight. Worked for me.

Answer 9

Next time she makes a comment say, "Is that really the best you can come up with? I thought you were more creative than that." and just walk away with your head held high.

Answer 10

you have same problem with me... actually my co-worker doesn't do anything but all by me,,, i know I'm new worker... he yell all the time. but all people like me in professional way, coz i do what they want to do (my job desk)... he yell at me all the time... i just hear and do what he want,,, im just having fun.... just take it easy...