How to handle a difficult coworker?

[Anonymous]

I have a somewhat new coworker who started at the start of this year. She gives me more work than what I can manage regarding her behaviour. I work in the disability industry and she continues to annoy/upset clients regularly. She talks about clients troubles, nags them or repetitively asks them questions which annoys them or confuses them. I have often difused the situation multiple times.

She does not learn very fast, I have had to teach her 5 times how to use the air conditioner in the car but still asks me to do it while I am driving because she doesn't know how to.

She was also responsible for looking after someones expenses and calculate how much they spent. She expected me to know but I was busy with someone else, she kept nagging me to figure it out but I told her each time I was looking after someone elses expenses and not responsible for theirs. She asked me to report it to the clients relatives which I again responded the same answer. She got very angry and I was very pissed off with her.

Most of my coworkers cannot handle her at all and I am usually left with her because I have patience. I took 2 weeks off this month so I can destress. Last time I was working with her I was shaking from stress.

These are some scenarios. She has also broken some workplace rules regarding the relationship between clients and workers. I reported on behalf of the client.

Other than this she is literally a nightmare! How do you handle someone like her? I've spoken to my manager and says she still needs time to adjust and needs reassurance in her role which I provide. But she lacks basic common sense

[Oliverlogan263]

What's up luv, that's rough you got stuck with that coworker. Seems like she definitely needs to get it together. Here's what I would do:

- Talk to your boss again and be direct about how her behavior is affecting clients and stressing you out. Don't hold back how much of an issue it is.

- Ask if you can start giving her specific tasks so at least clients aren't dealing with her nagging. Like have her just do transport or meals or something simpler.

- If she messes up tasks, make sure to document it clearly so your boss can see it's not just you complaining. Cover your ass.

- Set clear boundaries - tell her politely things like "I've got my own clients now, you need to handle your part on your own." Be firm but nice.

- Stick together with other coworkers who have issues with her too. Strength in numbers when you talk to the boss.

- Take breaks away from her when you can. Do your own thing to de-stress on lunch.

Hopefully the boss will see they need to get her in line soon. Just try not to stress and focus on your clients. She's not your problem in the end.

[Asker]

I have tried giving her specific tasks in the past so she interacts less with the clients but she then starts relying on me a lot for what she needs to do. She notices clients getting angry with her and she asks me what is wrong and why are they angry with her. I always tell her (she asks about 6-10 times a day) she needs to ask them because I am not sure. I have been setting very clear boundaries now and managing my own work as I am tired of her relying on me. I have also started documenting different things between clients and her, and how she impacts the work load. It does get very frustrating working with her as she expects to be babysat! I will give your advice a shot! Thanks!

[Oliverlogan263]

You're welcome and Ugh, she sounds absolutely insufferable to work with. Props to you for having so much patience with her so far.

Documenting everything is a great idea to cover your ass. And good for setting those clear boundaries - don't let her keep pawning her work off on you.

One other thing you could try - when she inevitably comes complaining to you about the clients again, straight up tell her "you need to figure this out yourself. Part of the job is dealing with clients, and you won't learn if you keep relying on me." Be a bit stern with her so she gets the point.

Also don't feel bad about ratting her out to the manager if needed. They hired her, they need to deal with it if she's messing everything up. Just do what you gotta do to get through each day! Hopefully they can either train her better or replace her soon so you're not stuck with her. Hang in there.

[Blueeyes81]

I leave them to their own devices. I offer no help. No comfort. Nothing. Let them sink or swim on their own. I deal with this regularly, unfortunately and it is exhausting. So my advice is just ignore her entirely.

[Asker]

I spoke to afew others about this situation and they also suggested the same thing. And yes I completely agree - it is so exhausting! I have been leaving her by herself, or a much bigger attempt to avoid her because she is a pest. I will try to not help her anymore, she needs to learn to walk by herself