Coworker hassles?

Question

So I've been on sick leave for minor surgery since Dec 12. I've had some complications and my leave was extended to Jan 3. My boss is on vacation so I called my coworker to let her know. She went off on me saying she has things to do and I need to come back to work. I explained the doc had put me on total bedrest and she started asking a million questions and saying she wasn't going to cover for me anymore. This same woman has not worked a 40 hour week since I got there 2 years ago. She skips out early every Friday and takes 2-3 hour lunches when the boss is gone. Example: Halloween she left at lunch because she had to go buy candy. She's been out to take her 28 year old son to the eye doctor. For 2 years she has left me to die at work and now she's mad because I'm out sick. Why would she be this way? She has to cover for me but it just upset me that she acted that way. I dread going back and having to work with her in our small office. What can I do?

Answer 1

Get your medical excuse in writing, from your doctor. Document everything: any phone calls, your medical excuses, any communications your co-worker has with you, so if there is any problem or question concerning what happened, you have proof that you were right.


You must realize that people like your co-worker squirm and get very agitated when they actually have to pull their weight at work. People like her will always blame someone else and throw tantrums when things don't go their way.

You need to rest and recuperate and I wouldn't worry about her. In fact, take all the time your physician has told you to be off work. When you go back to work, act like you are the happiest person in the world.
Don't let her get to you, she is an unhappy person and needs to be the center of attention. Ignore her whining and complaining as much as possible, and do your job well.

Usually someone like her ends up being discovered for the loser that she is. Just don't sink to her level. Rise above it and your bosses will probably see you for the valuable employee you truly are.

Answer 2

Look, all you had to do was tell her that the doctor has you out until what ever day, then just hang up the phone, since she is not your boss. So, What you should do is, do what the doctor tells you to do. If the Dr, told you to stay in bed than just stay in bed, and when the Dr, thinks you can go back to work then go, but until then, stay in bed. DO NOT, AGAIN, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT WORK. Your job was to call your work and tell someone when the Dr, will let you back to work, and you did that. Now that your job is done, sign off from yahoo, shut off that computer and get in bet, and forget about your job, don't even answer the phone if your job should call, better yet shut the ringer off, and shut of your answering machine or voice mail, which ever you have, and forget about the world, and put on LMN, and watch tv.
I hope you get better soon.

Captain, Chris W T
ATP- Lear 45, B747- A318 - A380
CFI

Answer 3

People like your coworker are resentful of anyone who makes them actually do their job, and she's resentful of you right now because she may actually have to earn her paycheck.

My experience tells me she won't change while she works this job, but it also tells me that she won't get worse for more than a few days when you return. This may sound hokey, but you know how some people think everything happens for a reason and we can't judge the process? Well, perhaps one of the many things you were put on this earth to do is get sick over the holidays on this particular year so that this particular coworker would have to deal with it. We are in a cosmic classroom after all, and the universe gives us a million chances to learn the same lesson. If she doesn't learn to knuckle down while you're out, someone else might get sick on her in her next job!

Answer 4

The cow is acting this way because she actually has to do some WORK.

She is way out of line talking to you in this manner. You do not need to explain yourself to her - only HR or the boss.

Overall, sounds like a very dismal working environment. She will make your life a living hell when you return to work with much complaining, whining and nagging. Do you want this?

Why not take advantage of your time off to brush up your resume, hit the Internet for job sites and have a look at what else it out there.

If you find something and leave, let your boss know that the miserable cow made your work environment stressful and unbearable.

You do not have to put up with this BS. Too much negativity and stress.

You have the advantage now, use it.

Answer 5

You don't owe your coworker any explanation beyond the fact that you cannot go back to work, doctor's orders. She is not HR or your boss and has no business going off on you or reinforcing her story with extraneous factoids. She probably realized that she was in the wrong btw and that's why she had to use more "examples". She is on thin ice already for that breach of privacy and you can report her if you want. Does your boss have voicemail? If so, next time just ask to be transferred to it and bypass your coworker. If not, just tell her you still cannot come back until your doctor clears you and please pass the word to your boss. That's it. If the boss has any questions he/she will call you.

Answer 6

Did your boss leave her in charge when he went on vacation? If not, why did you call HER? I would have called human resources instead. This is an absenteeism issue and they should take care of it. I also work with people who take advantage of every opportunity to be off work at company expense, taking 2 hours lunches when the boss is gone and doing little or no work. I just keep my mouth shut because folks like that always get their comeuppance. Next time call HR and whoever your boss leaves in charge when he is on vacation. If he doesn't name anyone, that is his fault and he cannot blame you for not knowing whom to call. Hope you get better soon.

Answer 7

You can let her know that you are very sorry that you will miss more work, but under the circumstances, you have every right by law to take the time you need to recover per your doctors request. And you also have the right to do this with out being harrassed about it. So if she wants to continue to give you a hard time about it, she will have to tell the dial tone because you will not subject yourself to the unecessary stress she is causing you.

You could also mention that if you don't get a chance to recover stress free, you may end up needing even more time to recoop.

Good luck.

Answer 8

You have to stand up for yourself and defend your principles. Your coworker is being a *****! You are following your doctor's orders. If it was her on leave, she would do the same. I know what you are talking about when other coworkers push the envelope on breaks and lunch time. I know what it is to be working and having your fellow workers laughing and killing time when they should be helping you. Good luck, and please don't feel guilty. Enjoy your time off as much as you can!

Answer 9

You are not really close and you want to spend that kind of money ? Plus do not forget that she has a boyfriend so you must not get her anything too personal.It might be best if you just get her a card and maybe a picture frame for her desk.

Answer 10

The only solution is to seek revenge for making you feel bad while out sick. A piece of shrimp carefully placed in her desk will let her know someone thinks she stinks.
Take Care