Q: I work with a problem co-worker. He does the minimum to get by, makes lots of mistakes we have to correct, is rude to other departments -and has gross personal habits. We’ve had several supervisors in the last few years and some have talked to him. He gets better for a while, then goes back to the same.
We haven’t raised the issue with our latest supervisor, who started three months ago. But we do know HR has been aware of the problem. Wouldn’t they be able to act upon it? How much longer do we have to put up with this?
A: I hear your frustration and feel your pain. What you’re describing is a textbook example of a problem employee who benefits from a combination of supervisor turnover, and the tendency in many organizations to avoid dealing with problem employees. They simply transfer the problem to another department or shift, where usually nothing is addressed or improved.
No one in the organization wants to tackle what’s admittedly a difficult situation. So, management passes the buck, stalls for time, or looks the other way.
Of course, management pays a big price for inaction. There’s almost nothing worse for employee morale than to watch a poor performer who is “getting away with it.”
In fairness to HR (my people), it’s not their responsibility to discipline employees or manage performance. That’s the supervisor’s job. And because HR is aware of the problem I can practically guarantee that your new supervisor has been briefed on the existing employee challenges in her department. You don’t know what may be happening behind the scenes.
However, it wouldn’t hurt for you to meet with your new supervisor -discreetly and tactfully- and broach the subject. Mention how long the problem behaviors have been occurring, and how negatively it’s affecting your group’s morale and productivity. Offer additional documentation of problems you may have provided previous supervisors. Above all, be professional, but keep moderate pressure on your new supervisor as well as an open line with HR.
Management could be nudged to do right thing if they know their good employees expect them to do no less.
© Copyright Eva Del Rio
