What to do when a Colleagues Lateness Impacts your Job
So, it’s time to begin working on that important account and your co-worker is late again. Not only is her tardiness affecting her work performance, but it is affecting yours too. So, what do you do when you have a co-worker who is habitually late?
Remain calm and professional
The first thing that you will need to do is stay calm. You should continue to act like a professional even though your colleague is not. Take a deep breath and prepare to discuss this behavior with your co-worker.
Discuss this with your colleague
Yes, she is putting you behind, but before you go off the handle, talk to your co-worker and see if you can discover the cause of thisbehavior. Sometimes there is a valid cause of the person’s tardiness like having to care for a sick family member, trying to get decent child care, or having to share a car.
Clearly express the results of their behavior
Explain to your colleague the impact their behavior is having on their work and yours. Be nice, but don’t sugar coat it. Not only is her job on the line, but so is yours if her behavior continues. Let her know that it is only fair for her to make an effort to show up to work on time.
Listen
Listen to what your colleague has to say. Allow her to explain the reason for her behavior. If she becomes offensive and refuses to even address the issue, then you should begin the documentation process right away.
Document
So, you have talked to your colleague. You have explained to her how her tardiness is affecting your work. You have listened to her explanation. However, she continues to show up late. She is also exhibiting a nonchalant attitude about her behavior. Okay, enough is enough. Begindocumentingyour co-workers tardiness. Be sure to list the dates when this occurs and the time of her arrival. You should also include any other employees who have witnessed her lack of punctuality.
Go to the boss
Now that you have talked to your colleague and documented her behavior, it is time to go to your boss. Unfortunately, you can’t keep covering for your co-worker or allowing her to ruin your career. Take your documentation and head to your supervisor.
Your work should not have to suffer because of your colleague’s habitual tardiness. If her lack of punctuality is affecting your job, try talking to her about it. If all else fails, report the behavior to your supervisor.
