Interactions with some coworkers can be so tenuous that people experience high levels of stress, sleepless nights, or frequently call in sick because they dread going to work. If your relationships at work have negatively impacted your ability to do your job or enjoy a positive work environment, then it may be time to take action.
Techniques for Handling a Difficult Co-Worker
- Assess the severity of the issue. An office environment tends to be a melting pot of people with different cultures, backgrounds and values. What may be annoying to you could be considered humorous or charismatic to someone else. However, if their behavior somehow impedes your ability to do your job, then the situation may classify as being more than a minor irritation. A worst case scenario is a coworker who doesn’t respect boundaries. Perhaps he or she makes inappropriate comments, racial slurs or harasses you personally or sexually. Any such behavior should be taken very seriously.
- Limit contact with coworkers who are minor irritants. If after assessing the situation, you have surmised that a difficult coworker is nothing more than a harmless nuisance, find ways to limit contact with him or her. Continue to act professionally, be cordial and limit personal conversations. Resist the urge to share personal details about yourself, as doing so may be viewed as an invitation to get closer. If you are feeling isolated because a coworker consistently leaves you out of group-oriented lunches and social activities, find other ways to spend your time. How much you allow an annoying or inconsiderate coworker to affect your own happiness usually depends on your self esteem and how pleased you already are with your job and life in general. Remember that how someone else sees you will never affect who you really are.
- Confront your coworker. Regardless of the problem, you may benefit from confronting your coworker. If the offenses are minor, perhaps a lunch chat is in order. It is possible that the two of you started off on the wrong foot.
- Contact your human resources department for severe coworker issues. If you feel as though your coworker challenges are more than minor infractions or annoyances, you have a right to contact your human resources department and have them intercede on your behalf.
Whether you are dealing with a minor nuisance or a severe case of harassment, coworker challenges can be very stressful. Remember that you cannot expect to see changes in your environment if you are not willing to do anything about your current situation. Initial attempts to confront a coworker or talk to human resources can be unnerving. However, in the long run, it will be worth it. You have the right to a positive and healthy working environment.
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