How do I address this without hurting peoples feelings..?

Question

so I have this co-worker. If my boss isnt here then I am under her. When my boss is here I do all the stuff she wants me to do. Then after I'm done I go and help her assistant with anything she may neeed help on.

Lately it has been oh hey can you do this for me. These things are the things that she has to do. As an act of kindness, I do it of course. Though if she was not on the phone talking and arguing with her girlfriend..( I know you guys are thinking..is she hot..) ummmm. no, I have watched her eat a whole family grande meal to herself for lunch one day..... lol well because of that she is behind. Which makes her somehow think ok..well here you go here do this and this and this and this. then that makes me behind. then while I start on my stuff again well she stacks more things on top of that. Though at the end of the day I get everything done before I go home.

My question is, since I work with her. I dont want to make things weird. Should I tell my boss that because of her I'm getting behind and have to rush or do I leave it alone and attend to my stuff first.

knowing her she will do things out of spite. I have seen it before its not so pretty. today shes not coming in til late so I already have all my stuff done..not til 11am PST she comes in...my boss comes in at 1pm PST today...

Answer 1

You need to do your work first. If your coworker can't handle her job the only way the boss will know is if you quit doing her work!!

Answer 2

That's tough.  I would start with "I''m really behind on the work (insert boss' name here) needs me to do.  Can that wait until later?" When she comes back by with it, tell her you don't know if you will be able to get around to it.

After you do that enough, she should realize that you don't have time for all her mess and will hopefully find someone else to pawn it all off on.

Answer 3

Both answers so far are on the money.  Let her know you can get to her work, if you have time, after you attend to your assignments first.  Let her know approximately how long it will take before you get to hers though, so she can make a decision to do it herself or find someone else. For example on Monday you say, "I have to complete this report for Ms. Boss and it will take me probably until about 2 pm. I can start yours but won't be able to finish it until Wednesday, because tomorrow Ms. Boss wants me to whatever."

The only change I would make when speaking to my boss is that I would not say the person is taking advantage of me.  You don't say what relationship the boss has with the slacker and the boss may be offended.  Instead say that she often has lots of things for you to do and they interfere with your primary responsibilities and ask your boss how to handle it...but be prepared...the boss is going to talk to the slacker and then...

Answer 4

Ask your boss to speak to her privately.  Tell her that you want to do your best for her.  Let her know that "the other girl" is taking advantage of you by piling her work on you, which makes you get behind on the work that she expects  you to get done.  Don't be accusatory.  Simply state that you don't want to keep getting behind on the work that you are assigned, and that you don't mind helping out because it keeps you busy.  But that by her not completing her own work and piling it on you, you're afraid that your own work will suffer and that you want to do your best.  Always put the companies interests 1st. Word it so that she sees your concern for the company and your concern for wanting to do your best so that the company will continue to grow and shine!  I hope this helps.