OT-Toxic People

Okay maybe because it's the holidays and I seem to be surrounded by inconsiderate and toxic people all around me. BUT I have to vent. I have a co-worker who comes in 30-45 minutes late everyday. I should first tell you that I work on a team of only 4 people. Anyway this woman comes in late every single day and she does not make up her hours. Yesterday she came in 45 minutes late and she could not stay because she had a baby in May who had a doctor's appointment and every single day she is late because the baby made her late. Heck she was late even when she was pregnant at that time her 17 year old son was making her late. SO it's never her it's always her kids that prevent her from coming to work on time and making her late. I have an autistic 8 year old son and 5 year old kindergartner who I manage to put on school bus and take to school and still end up coming to work on time. I think what gets me is my manager is oblivious and does not catch on that she is "stealing" time. Am I being petty because today she was 45 minutes late again and left before me. I was 10 minutes late because of an accident on route 1 and she went out the door on the nose at 5:30. I have now finished my project but whoever finishes their project then has to help their fellow team mate finish her work. SO I now have to help her finish up her work while princess dear comes in late every single day. UGH I feel like pulling my hair out. How should I approach this delicately?  I have already nicely told her that if she cannot make it to work on time she switch her schedule but she just cannot come stay later than 5:30. Then I tell you why not work part-time? Sorry for the rant. Thanks for listening.

Ugh I feel your frustration but honestly I would just continue to go about my business (but it is also your business because it interferes with your productivity) and someone has got to notice sooner or later.  Either that or go to HR and have a confidential conversation with them and bring it to their attention because if you do say something to her or to someone else about her then you will feel her resentment if you know what I mean.  I would go thru "chain of command" and if that doesn't work HR .  And I see your point why should she get paid for time not put in and you have to do both your job and hers. You are right she is stealing time and I am guessing you don't have to clock in or else it would catch up with her?

Shilpa,

I sooo understand what you are dealing with. I work in an urban area where I am the minority. It seems that when others are late or excessively absent or not doing their job they get to slip on by. I am two minutes late and I get docked for 15 minutes of pay because my employer only docks in quarter hour increments. It is so frustrating when you see this happening and feel that you cannot do anything about it. You can! Report the coworker to chain of command, supervisor, etc and let them handle it. That is their job. Just rest assured that you are doing a good job and she will get hers!!!

Beth
bvohl

Shilpa,

If her manager cares at all about the job and productivity in the department, s/he needs to be clued in.  Simply letting the manager know that some individuals are taking advantage of the flexible time-tracking atmosphere and that s/he might want to quietly notice the arrival and departure times over a few weeks should be enough.  You don't have to name the coworker, just express your concern. 

It's your place to escalate the issue.  You've already approached the problem coworker directly to try and fix the situation.  That obviously didn't work, and it's affecting the productivity of everyone in the department.  If the manager doesn't clue in on his or her own, you can (and should) let them know. As a manager myself, I know that I appreciate finding out something like this, so that I can take appropriate corrective action. 

karen

Although it seems like "tattling" you need to go to your supervisor.  I would mention it once and then see what happens.  In the meantime, write down (discreetly) times that she comes in each and every morning, and what time she leaves in the evening

If nothing appears to change after reporting her that first time, give it a few weeks, and then go to them again this time with the notes you have kept.

It IS frustrating, especially considering you must help her complete her work because yours is finished.

Good luck!

Pam