Ever work with a [useless] pregnant woman?

Question

Okay, hear me out: she's a very sweet girl. I'm nothing but nice to her. I know she means well, she's excited and proud of her pregnancy and that's all fine and dandy, but for the love of god! I work in a very busy restaurant. I've noticed that all she does is waddle back and forth (and she's only two and a half months pregnant, but we won't touch on that,) and goes to the back every few hours to sit for half an hour and do nothing. Even my mom commented on how slow she works -- it took her almost 10 minutes to get my mom 3 coffees and a box of donuts.

Don't take me for being "jealous" or whatever other recycled thing you can think of. I just want to know of a way to get her to pick up the frickin pace because I'm always stuck at the counter with her, doing twice the amount of work. Maybe you're pregnant; how would you like to be approached? Pregnant or not, what would you do?

Answer 1

Bummer. Sounds like she's really milking her condition. But you can't say anything or you look like a bully.

Answer 2

You do realize that is because of a "useless" pregnant woman that you are here,don't you?

As for pregnant women in the workforce. I have mixed feelings about it because there are some labors that women do that do not require too much work and a pregnant woman can do just fine.

But I agree that on other labors a pregnant woman should just go home

Answer 3

3 coffees and a box of donuts huh?  I think I would concern myself with getting a better job, and a better manager.

Answer 4

Talk to the boss. Tell them what she is doing this early in the pregnacy. MAYBE, just maybe they will sit her down, talk to her about how things aren't going to get any easier and she will decide to leave on her own. I was a restaurant manger with a girl (teenage unwed 17 yearold) employee who was pregnant. I told her how hard it was going to get working in the kitchen with the heat and summer and feeling horrible and tired and she quit within a month. Before everyone beats me over the head...I gave her the job back after the baby was born.

Answer 5

You want to know how to get her to pick up the pace..........................?

DO IT YOUR d**n SELF!

Answer 6

thats why women need to focus on pregnancy and childrearing. You shouldnt drop a preggo woman on the working world any more you would throw a preggo women on the beach fighting.

Answer 7

i've been in the same position!  i always wonder, if working in a restaurant, how a pregnant woman can live off tips if she doesn't actually get to her tables!!  

my manager actually talked to her so we never had to.  my manager, a woman, understood that it's actually very important to keep moving while pregnant.  her doctor advised her that sitting around wasn't going to help much.  

i've heard that the first trimester is the worst in terms of "morning sickness," so maybe in a couple of weeks she might pick up the pace.  however, if nobody can find a way to talk to her (maybe ask your manager to give her a smaller section and fewer hours?) i would pick up the classifieds and subtly mention a few job openings in easier environments - she won't want to be waddling around bringing people things at 8 months pregnant.

Answer 8

Sounds like to me she is playing it up a bit. But remember that she does have to be careful, as she can miscarry within the first trimester. Also, that first 3 months are h**l - with being tired ALL the time because of the changes her body is going through.

She should be doing something when she sits though - like rolling silverware or something. Hopefully she'll get a little energy back though. Just be patient with her. Some people don't handle pregnancy well, and she could be one of them. Especially working in a restaurant - she could be experiencing morning sickness throughout her shift.

Answer 9

It's a bit difficult to approach this, isn't it? I guess it really sucks for you to be working with someone who can't/doesn't work as much as you.

Would you be able to delicately broach the subject with your boss? Maybe your boss can arrange for your workmate to work in another area in the restaurant where it's easier for her? I don't know....

All the best, anyway.

Answer 10

Do you know whether  or not her pregnancy is a healthy one?  Do you know whether or not she is experiencing any pain or sickness or dizziness, any adverse effects from her pregnancy?

When I was pregnant I was SICK the entire time, I couldn't work, wasn't allowed to actually.....

Maybe you should try to find out whether or not she is feeling OK, before you judge her work ethic.....

I can understand your frustration at being stuck with picking up her slack though...and if she is fine, then shame on her for using her pregnancy as a crutch to slack off....but if she is genuinely not feeling up to par, maybe its time she see if she could get some time off, or work more limited hours, or only be given tasks that allow her to stay off her feet....