Ever have to contend with this and how did you deal with it?

Question

There are two newer employees in our dept. Each sits on either side of me. Both either IM or makes personal phone calls every day that can last up to 2 hours, on company time. (Our company does not monitor phone or comp abuse) I can not help but notice this, being that I sit between them. In a discreet way, I have informed them that the company frowns on this. I don't think they really care.

The newer girl (less than 2 months), has been late almost every day, and has taken 5 sick days. Also, she likes to be the little social butterfly.

In the meantime, there are 3 seasoned reps, including myself, who bust our butts in order to get the work done. Two of the girls go out of their way to help the newer girl, only to have this girl treat them badly. They will not help her anymore. They feel she is full of drama and expect other people to feel sorry for her because of all her supposed problems. (Who does not have problems? Leave them at home, or stay home).

We three are trying to figure out a way to approach this with management, without coming across as whiners or snitches.

Anyone else go through this? How was it handled?

BTW...I am writing this on my lunch break, as the weather is crappy outside.

Thank you.

Answer 1

And this fits into community service, how?

Answer 2

is she sleeping with the boss?    Is she anyone's relative?

If not, how is she treated by management?  where IS management, anyway?  why are they not supervising anyone?

I'd just say it to management, such as "someone in here is not pulling their weight and is using company resources poorly."  Then let them figure it out or tell them if they ask.

It's a tough situation that everyone's been in.  I wouldn't approach her because her boss -should- be aware of what she's doing, so if he or she doesn't say anything, she thinks all's well and is probably wondering why you guys work so hard.  I think your management sucks for not noticing this, by the way.

good luck.

Answer 3

There is nothing more frustrating than doing your job to the best of your ability only to see others getting paid to do nothing!  

I would let it go awhile longer.  Give your boss a chance to see this problem for themselves.  Aren't they on a probationary period? If nothing comes of it, talk to your other co-workers about voicing their concerns on an individual basis.  That way you won't look like your trying to gang up on this ladies.

Answer 4

You will get thru this.  It's part of working closely with strangers.  It's hard enuf living with family.   THe boss probably knows what is going on but has other worries.

I opened my own business in 2001.  I felt exactly like you did about the silliness of co-workers.  I wish i had done it years earlier. /

Answer 5

Try to wait it out until they are due their end of probation review.

No one should get away with being late and taking sick days that early in their job.

Sometimes management knows more than you think.

On the other hand,

You mention 3 long term employees busting their butts.

Doesn't everyone have a certain amount of work to do?

If they do and the responsibilities are clear, just don't do their work for them. It will come out.

This is a very tricky situation. Some bosses do not like it when presented with problems like this and then some bosses will say "why didn't you come to me sooner about this?"

If the problem continues and you feel that something needs to be addressed, by all means do so but have all 3 of you go in together.

The boss cannot ignore or look down on all of you, but it could backfire if only one person complains.