I complained to my boss about my coworker and nothing was done. What should I do?

Question

A new guy was hired in May. He sits in my department because there are not enough desks in his department. He is loud, rude, obnoxious, disruptive, and more. I kept quiet for 3 months trying to ignore him. Finally, I had to go to my boss and tell him that the new guy is really bothering me. My boss said that he would like to fire him, but we are too busy right now to let him go. Should I put up with it and wait until he's fired or start looking for a new job? I've been with the company for over 6 years and my boss has commented on what an asset I am to the company. I get yearly raises plus bonuses because my boss likes my work. I'm sure my boss would want me to stay much more than this idiot. I've enjoyed my job over the years, until now. What should I do?

Answer 1

document the offensive behavior for 1 or 2 weeks (or longer if you can stand it) including the fact that you have approached your boss and what his response was (which was inappropriate). then, take the issue to the human resource dept. i assure you that something will be done. if not, take it to the next level; find a lawyer.

Answer 2

You're boss hasn't dealt with the problem at all and in my opinion managers are there to sort out issues.  Your boss seems to be lacking in management skills.  

He didn't have to go as far as firing your obnoxious colleague, maybe just a private word to him by the boss would have been enough to change his behaviour.  He could also have moved the obnoxious guy so that he isn't sitting so near to you.  The fact that your boss didn't even attempt this, shows that he's either doesn't know how to deal with the problem or simply won't.

Your obnoxious colleague will be affecting your productiveness at the workplace by upsetting your concentration.  Did you specifically tell your boss how much your colleague's behaviour is affecting your work?  If it is taking you longer to get things done because you are constantly being distracted by him, you need to ensure that your boss knows this reason.  I don't know all the details, but is it possible that your boss may think that you just don't get on with this guy? Which isn't really reason enough to do anything.

Whatever you do don't leave your job over this, as you could end up working in a place that is much, much worse.  Try speaking to your boss about it again citing the loss of concentration and reduction in productivity issue.  You could even make the suggestion that if your colleague were moved it would help.

If your boss still fails to do anything then I'd suggest you raise this with HR.  Make sure that you have a list of your colleagues bad behaviour (dates, times and details) etc.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I feel for you I just asked a question yesterday that said "why do people always say tell your boss when something goes wrong?"  No useful anwsers.  Bosses don't like getting involved in co-worker disputes.  So, you are going to have to make it known to this co-worker you are not going to tolerate his behavior.  Honestly a dirty look is really an effective start.  And absolutley do not let a new hire boss you around.  Say you do not have the authority to tell me or anyone else in this department what to do or how to act.  I suggest if there is not enough room in your office that you let the people who do legitametly work here to get our tasks accomplished with out your advice and opinions.  I assume that would be him told.

Answer 4

Trust that your boss was telling you the truth Time, effort and money has gone into training this person and the if the workload in his department is busy, training a new person would just add to the backlog.  It is always dangerous to leave a job you like for something uncertain; you could find yourself in something worse since every job has it's negatives.  If the situation continues however, I'd touch base with your boss and ask what he suggests you do to lessen the problems.

Answer 5

Ask your boss for a change of venue.  That way at least you will not have to be near him and his obnoxious behavior.