Coworker problems
Co-worker problem
Dear Dr. Mac,
I am in the magazine publishing business. The magazine hired me and another, slightly older and more experienced co-worker at the same time for the same job. However, ever since she was hired in December, my co-worker has consistently failed to arrive at work on time, sometimes arriving as late at 3:00pm. She frequently leaves early or stays only until 6:00. Our supervisors know about this and have asked her to come early and to work 5 days a week. She has told me that she does not understand why this is necessary. She also seems to have trouble doing anything I ask her to do, even when I have asked politely or when I have asked twice for her to perform a simple task. I believe she feels superior to me, and she often cites her “10 years” of editorial experience. I have worked in this industry only 6 months, but I have already won the respect of my colleagues. She has not. Her work is not any better than mine, and she seems to lack an understanding of what kinds of material our magazine publishes. Last week, we really needed her help for a tasking project. She wasn’t in the office at 9:00 am. We called her, and she didn’t show up until after 11:00. It was the same thing the next day. On the second day, my supervisors were furious and decided to fire her. They sat around the lunch table and discussed it and even tried to think of a good day to do it. Well, it’s been a week later and they still haven’t fired her! I’m feeling extremely frustrated. I don’t understand why they are keeping her considering her record. I know it isn’t my decision, but she and I do not get along and it would relieve a lot of stress in my day if they let her go. I know I should just sit tight, but I can’t stand her. I wish there was something I could do to expedite the process. How long should it take employers to fire someone this incompetent anyway?
-Still waiting Sarah
Dear Still waiting Sarah,
You answered your own question when you said you should just sit tight. Right now the best thing you could do is continue to work hard and let go of trying to predict or judge the process that is in place regarding Sarah and her supervisors. Focus your energy on the things you can control. If a week goes by and nothing has happened or you have not been told anything, I don’t see anything wrong if you inquired about your coworker’s status, keeping in mind that you want to come from a “I’m here if you need me to step up and take on extra work” mode and not from a “what’s the latest gossip” mode. The good news is the situation is being addressed. Assuming there is a paper-trail documenting past performance issues, including tardiness, the wait shouldn’t be too long. However, if there has been a lack of documentation for past performance issues, then it is possible that your co-worker could be put on a performance improvement plan instead. In other words, she won’t be fired but reprimanded with consequences spelled out if the performance issues continue. I would suggest you be prepared for either outcome. Once again Sarah, don’t spend much energy on this. Focus on your work and being as supportive and helpful as you can to the supervisors.
-Dr. Mac
