How do I stop catty girls at work?!?

Question

I work at a salon/spa that recently hired a new general assistant. Her job is to basically keep on top of laundry (you wouldn't believe how many towels everyone goes through a day!) cleaning, and occaisonally helping shampoo, if colorists are running behind to keep everything running smoothly. the problem is, all of the colorists are giving her a really hard time! They CONSTANTLY demand her help shampooing out their clients (even when they aren't running behind at all) order her around... even make fun of her for her accent! (recently moved from poland) This poor girl is running around non stop the whole time she is there trying to do her own job, and picking up all of the lazy colorists slack. Most of the time they have her shampooing people, they are in the back sitting around eating snacks and reading magazines. The other day I walked into the back room where about 10 of the girls were back there complaining about this assistant. And I mean really talking S**t! they were complaining

Answer 1

This is why I will not become a hairdresser!

I hate the place I go to, the dumb girls always standing near the back room staring at me while I have my hair done, they never seem to work overly hard.

Maybe try working in an office as out of all the jobs I have done, seems like the most respected environment, not a bit of cattiness in sight!

Seriously though, unless you are quite tactful, I dont advise trying to deal with it on your own, I would go to next in charge, a superior or someone.

Maybe the girls dont like foreigners taking their jobs, who knows?

It sounds like a sackable offensive and she ought to stand up for herself unless she is oblivious to it.

Good luck

Answer 2

"Stop acting like high-schoolers" is actually pretty apt in such a situation. Say it without scorn, bitterness, and as matter-of-factly as possible. Do not, repeat do not, use expletives - it will loosen your own position.

Alternately, you and your friend may want to adopt another strategy. Simply ignore. People find it extremely challenging to fight with someone who is silent.

The other point you may want to keep in mind is : this situation is not just a one-off incident. Employees, especially when they are new, face this the world over. Old timers frequently try to break the confidence of 'freshers'. Just hold your cool. Things will improve when someone else joins the team. Just remember then to not treat them the same nasty way you have been treated.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Answer 3

Female high school teachers can be the same way.  I was in a room with a bunch of them.   I couldn't believe the stuff that went on.  It was like being in an effing locker room.

Answer 4

Wow.  Well, I'm glad that you aren't joining this group and are against their treatment of her.

Is there a Manager that you could discuss this with?  If not, it sounds as if you are a pretty strong and confident person and could handle this yourself.  Just be calm and respectful when you approach them -- individually or as a group.  I suspect that they may attack you -- verbally.  So, if you remain calm, it will make others see who is in the wrong.

Also, try talking with the assistant and help her find the confidence in herself.

Then, get another job and take her with you.

Answer 5

Hair salons are a dime a dozen.  I'd seriously think about moving to another salon and pulling her along with you if you can.  I'm sure she'd be very grateful to you.

Answer 6

Approach the colorist with a calm suggestive mind. Do not bust in like gang busters or they will all go on defense and guess who will be getting yelled at next. If you walk into this situation again, say , " Look, I know you are all talking about (poland). She is working very hard to do her own job, as well as help all of you. Don't you think she deserves a little bit of respect?" If they come back with bs, you have a losing battle. But for someone to stand up to them in such way might make them realize that someone does care and they might rethink their behavior. Let them know it is very unprofessional to take credit on their own for what they do when in fact they rely on (poland) to do some of their work. It would be a good idea even if (poland) is helping someone alot, they give her a tip for such good work. This would make the assistant happy and she would work harder. People generally do work harder when they feel appreciated and not belittled. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

Sounds like someone needs to step up and speak out.  Ball is in your court

Answer 8

A little constructive criticism said to the right person can make a world of difference.  I definitely would not approach the entire group with an attitude.  I think that would only stir the pot in the wrong direction, if you catch my drift.

If you don't want to criticize, then try and find someone who would have the most impact (maybe the ringleader of the group - maybe someone else who would have a large impact on the group, etc.) and disclose to her what you feel and why you feel it.  I would start the conversation with a compliment - "Hey, that new gen. assistant is doing a bang-up job.  Today, she ________ for me and I didn't even have to ask her."  That type of thing. If she really is doing a good job, it will eventually show.  Sometimes work groups are a tough egg to crack.  Especially if it is a group of close women.  Just stay in her corner and do your part. They should come around.