How to tell boss about a coworker being online too much?

Question

I'm wondering if anyone can give me advice...I have a coworker that spends about half her day on the internet doing personal stuff (i.e. emailing girlfriends, posting on message forums). What's even more annoying is that she tracks my manager and my every move in our work space. How do I bring this up to our boss without getting in trouble or seeming like a tattle-tale? Thanks!!

Answer 1

Unless it's interfering with your work then leave it alone.

Answer 2

This is a tough one. No one likes a slackard.  I'm not trying to upset you, but want you to see there's a possibility of this back-firing, okay?

Why do you have the time to notice what your co-worker is or isn't doing?  Unless this person is affecting your job - like you're doing your job and hers because she's goofing - I'd probably keep my mouth shut.  By pointing it out, you're kind of saying you have extra time to be snooping on her, instead of getting more work done.

Management sees a whole lot more than you think.  I'll bet they're on to her.  I'd stay out of it, unless I was asked by management.  Her job performance will speak for itself.

Answer 3

Not a good idea to go to your boss with this. It'll just make you both look bad. How about you go up behind her and ask her (mildly work related) stuff when you see nonwork stuff on her screen. Even comment about the forums "Ooh, what's that one? My favorite is Yahoo Answers, do you go on that?".

It'll make her feel uncomfortable, vulnerable and visible. Don't do anything more out there than that though, this sort of person frequently comes out on top.

Sorry, I know it's not fair, but that's life.

Answer 4

This is absolutely not a good idea at all to tell your boss about a co-worker "IF" it doesn't bother your work. The reason I say this is because at the end of the day, you're getting your cheque and that's all that matters. She's getting her cheque but who cares how she gets it, right?

As far as I've read your additional details, you state that it doesn't affect your work. So don't worry about it and be happy with your work :)

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Maybe when you are alone with the boss ask in round about ways at first.  Like, "I was just wondering how I'm doing with my work compared to some of the others"  Maybe even mention a few names, and see if he is even aware of it.  It's more focused on you and how you feel about your job.  If he is aware of it, maybe you can mention how it effects your work if it does.  Otherwise, what can you do?  It's not your money going down the drain.