best course of action when a coworker doesn't do their job

How to Deal With Coworkers Who Don't Do Their Part in the Project

• Candidly Discuss Concerns Coworkers who don’t pull their weight typically ignore passive-aggressive hints that team members are displeased with them. ...
• Define and Enforce Boundaries If you’re a nice person who enjoys helping out, you may find it difficult to say no when coworkers ask for your help. ...
• Focus on Your Own Job ...
• Inform Your Supervisor ...

Full Answer

How to deal with a coworker who won’t do their job?

Jan 11, 2018 · Here are the three most important steps to take when co-workers can’t co-work: 1. Collect reliable information.

Is it good to have a competitive coworker?

Chances are, your lackluster co-worker will get wind of it, and now you not only have a team member who isn’t super-committed, but also one who resents you. Instead, schedule a time to talk with your manager. Rather than approaching it like a tattletale, lay out the case for why this person’s behavior is negatively affecting the team.

How to deal with uncooperative coworkers?

Jul 05, 2017 · It might also cause resentment. By refusing to do more than your share, you are setting a clear boundary. Confront the co-worker. Ask to speak to your co-worker privately, and tell her, honestly and compassionately, how her behavior makes you feel and how it …

How to deal with underperforming coworkers?

Jul 05, 2017 · Getting a clear picture of just how much work is not being done by the coworker can help you to choose a proper method of approaching and confronting him yourself. Write a list of the tasks and duties you complete on a daily basis and the responsibilities of your coworker that are not being completed, or are being taken care of by you or another colleague.

What would you do if your coworker isn't doing their work?

How to deal with lazy coworkersApproach them professionally. Do not approach management right away. ... Put yourself in their shoes. As you have an open and honest discussion with lazy coworkers, do your best to put yourself in their shoes. ... Seek counsel from others. ... Talk to your superiors. ... Document the entire process.Dec 12, 2018

How do I report a coworker who isn't doing their job?

To make your complaint, try using a technique called “I-statements”. With an I-statement, you focus on the problem you're having instead of what's wrong with your coworker, then you ask for what you need. A well-worded I-statement, delivered in a friendly tone, doesn't sound at all confrontational.

How would you deal with teammates who does not do work at all?

Start by speaking privately with the underperforming coworker about how their behavior or marginal performance is affecting others and holding back the team. Offer support and resources if they're making a good-faith effort to catch on and contribute.Jun 21, 2021

How do you deal with unproductive coworkers?

How to deal with a lazy coworker?Wait before acting. Noticing that your coworker is not engaged in the project can be really annoying. ... Put yourself in their shoes. ... Ask about others' opinion. ... Talk to them honestly. ... Offer them help. ... Give them some time. ... Talk to your leader.Sep 1, 2021

How do you professionally complain about a coworker?

How to write a formal complaint letter about a coworkerTry to resolve the conflict on your own. ... Make sure you have an issue to report. ... State the purpose of the letter. ... Include a lot of details. ... Explain your involvement in the situation. ... Propose a resolution. ... Make a copy of your letter.Mar 19, 2021

How do I complain about a lazy coworker?

Inquire about possible solutions so you don't come across as a busybody or a complainer.Explain the Situation. Sometimes managers don't notice performance issues because other employees are picking up the slack. ... Present Factual Evidence. ... Discuss Possible Solutions. ... Use “I” Statements.

What do you do if a coworker doesn't act responsibly?

Gallery: 12 Tips For Dealing With A Lazy Co-WorkerDon't let them distract you. ... Don't get caught up in the issue of fairness. ... Don't let their ways rub off on you. ... Don't let their work become your responsibility. ... Don't let them affect your success. ... Use the opportunity to become a leader.More items...•Aug 1, 2013

How do you deal with incompetent coworkers?

How to approach incompetence in a colleagueRemember that most people are not deliberately incompetent! ... Approach the problem in terms of support required for the role rather than personal criticism.Ask HR whether more support for the role is available.Suggest team training which everyone will benefit from.More items...

What causes incompetence?

Simple Laziness A common cause of incompetence is laziness, which can lead to errors, lateness and other problems. Not double checking your work is an example of incompetence, since anyone can do that.Jan 20, 2021

What is a lazy employee?

These are employees who will actively seek ways to avoid work, be absent from work while maintaining their job at the office, cause problems in team projects and bring pessimism into many discussions and sprints. All that extends to the overall employee engagement of the team. Employees are lazy for many reasons.

How do you train someone who doesn't want it?

How to Train a Person Who Doesn't ListenHandle Insubordination According to Company Policy. Handle insubordination according to your company's policies and procedures. ... Present a Clear Message. ... Ask the Person to Explain their Reluctance to Participate. ... Convey Optimism and Respect. ... Treat People with Respect and Dignity.

Why is it important to give someone the benefit of the doubt?

Giving someone the benefit of the doubt is an important lesson for anyone, really. Jumping to conclusions not only puts you at risk of a major face-palm moment, but you could easily damage your relationships with colleagues.

What is the most damaging thing you can do?

The most damaging thing you can do is let your frustrations percolate. That quickly morphs everyday minor annoyances into full-blown accusations of serious dereliction of duties. And—spoiler alert—that outburst usually reflects badly on you.

Who is Jennifer Winter?

Photo of lazy co-worker courtesy of Shutterstock. Jennifer Winter is a freelance writer, editor and career consultant. She translates her 14-years of corporate combat experience to help others navigate their own careers, and become advocates for their own success.

How to deal with coworkers' shortcomings?

Fuming and ruminating over a coworker’s shortcomings can distract you from doing your own job to your fullest potential. The ​ Washington Post ​ suggests that employees should not sit in judgment of their coworker’s job performance because they may not have the full picture. Focus instead on what you need to be successful and set high goals for yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed because of your workload, seek clarification of priorities and the duties of each member of your team. Suggest using project management software to show in real time how team members are doing with their part of the assignments.

Why don't coworkers pull their weight?

Coworkers who don’t pull their weight typically ignore passive-aggressive hints that team members are displeased with them. They go about their business expecting others to pick up the slack and feel no shame letting work slide. Although confronting a coworker may feel awkward, ignoring the problem will only make matters worse. Getting to the root of the problem can prevent escalation. You may even save your coworker’s job by helping them understand what’s expected at your company.

What is laissez faire supervisor?

A laissez-faire supervisor may be operating under the assumption that everyone on your team is equally engaged and productive. The supervisor may be equally oblivious to the fact that much of your coworker’s time is divided between checking personal emails, surfing the internet, texting friends and chatting with coworkers about everything but work. If your efforts to reform your unproductive coworker fail, you may wish to discuss the matter with your supervisor. Be prepared to offer solutions such as clarifying job expectations or offering training if the coworker depends on others for help in certain areas.