Crazy Coworker Drama

[thecouponclippa]

Ok, let me start out by saying, I know everyone has a crazy coworker. But mine seems really excessive. He watches a TON of offensive stuff at work ( it's stuff I watch at home, but would never dream of watching at work! Too many people get offended easily and I don't want to get in trouble.) he never works, and he ends up throwing me under the bus CONSTANTLY. I'm really, really sick of it.

Other coworkers and this guy have gotten into arguments over the exact same things, and it seems like nothing is getting done, and he's not changing.

Well, here's the problem. I'm asking my boss today to switch me to a differen shift because I simply can't take him anymore. I did go off on him last night, inquiring why I always have to make all the phone calls to customers, because he NEVER EVER does. He's done it once in probably the last 8 months, and I'm just fed up.

Can anyone give some advice for me? My work is starting to slip because of how miserable I am. I don't want to get fired, on one hand, because I like the money. On the other hand, I sort of pray it'll happen.

Thanks

[barclay13]

I would probably try and ignore him and just focus on your work. I know how irritating it is to work hard and see others not performing, but it's not your problem. Try and have faith that the truth will come out eventually and he will suffer the repurcussions. Just do a good job and try and steer clear of him.

Good luck.

[motherofmolly]

depends on what all he is watching and what if anything else he is doing. is there alot of employees or only a few? if what he is watching is sex based, i would go tell the boss and bring up sexual harrassment policy (larger places will have one)...if he is just not being nice to you and is just bugging you, i would tell him to knock his junk off and not talk to you unless it is absolutely necessary. and i would tell my boss that you cant take his constant unneccesary non work based jibbering and you need help with a resolve.

[Doglover8180]

Hugs - I feel for ya...... I really do. Have you tried talking to your boss?

[Rene S]

Before talking to your boss, document EVERYTHING and make a list. On March 1, asked X to make phone calls. March 2, had to make X's phone calls, etc.

Show this to your boss. Explain that X's performance is also hurting your ability to do your job because you have to focus on the things he should be doing.

State ONLY facts, not feelings. I know this is hard (I've been there before), but it's important. If your boss can see facts about why this guy is hurting other people in the department, it's more ammo for you vs. complaining about him randomly. KWIM?

[Queenkim98]

I'm a little confused........if he's watching stuff that you watch at home, why do you care that he watches it at work??

A long time ago, I was pulled aside by an administrator at work and went I vented my frustrations about a co-worker, I was told, "Kim, don't worry about what she's doing, worry about what you are doing"........huh??? I was shocked that someone said that, why was I being reprimanded when the other person, came in 4 hours late every day and got paid for a full day???? It surely made no sense to me then. Well now that I've gotten older and a lot wiser it makes sense. I can't control what someone else does, but I can control what I do. There is no sense getting myself all worked up over someone elses actions.

[kschick96]

It sounds like he has a personality conflict with you and several other employees. If he is doing what he is supposed to be doing (doesn't really sound like it if he is watching TV on the clock), than they are probably not going to do much.

Most times when it is a personality conflict-managent leaves it up to the individuals involved to work through the issue. If it is a performance issue than they will get involved. As a former HR director, if I got involved in every personality conflict-that is all I would get done.

I know it sucks-but I would talk to your supervisor about moving to a new shift, if that will not work, you're probably out of luck.

[Doglover8180]

Totally agree with Rene.

[loulou3133]

Before talking to your boss, document EVERYTHING and make a list. On March 1, asked X to make phone calls. March 2, had to make X's phone calls, etc.

Show this to your boss. Explain that X's performance is also hurting your ability to do your job because you have to focus on the things he should be doing.

State ONLY facts, not feelings. I know this is hard (I've been there before), but it's important. If your boss can see facts about why this guy is hurting other people in the department, it's more ammo for you vs. complaining about him randomly. KWIM?

Yes I wholeheartedly agree on this point. You need to stay factual, have specific examples of the behavior, etc. As someone who managed ppl in the past, I found it difficult to deal with someone when I only got accusations, and adult form of tattle- telling. That said, I would put that person on my radar and would deal with it the it as it came. That said, resolution may not be quick either. Just because HR (if there is one) has to build their case (unless you are in a right to work state, like I am here) to be sure there is no lawsuit potential.... The last thing you want to do is appear immature to your boss.

Sounds to me your boss may already know, hard to say, and honestly from a professional standpoint if your boss is aware, he is not going to let that be known.... kinda have to let the guy hang himself. Go in there calmly and lay out your case, stick to facts, leave out the "I feels", "I thinks" etc. If switching your shift is was you think the solution is... present it that way, at least you have thought of a solution to the problem, "I was wondering if there is an opening on another shift available??".... Keep your head down, ignore the bozo and do your work.... don't let him drag you down with him......Best of luck....

[loulou3133]

I meant to say to document this as they pertain to getting the job done and performance suffering.....