Get advice on how to deal with jerks at work Check out the book 'Jerks At Work' and other titles by Ken Lloyd Ph.D. Return to the JerksAtWork.com homepage Learn more about Ken Lloyd, Ph.D. Submit a question to Ken Lloyd, Ph.D.
 

You asked, Ken answers ...

This item is filed under these categories:
Insubordination Shirking Responsibility Insubordination Manipulation Workload

I recently moved into supervision, and one of my employees works on a popular math puzzle in the newspaper before work and during her breaks. The problem is that she sometimes brings them to her cubicle and works on them when she should be doing her job. I told her not to do this, but she said she practically never brings them to her desk, but even if she does, they are beneficial for her thinking. How do I get this to stop?



Math puzzles might help a person's thinking skills, but a person who is doing them instead of work is not thinking clearly at all. She has a job to do, and if she is not doing it, you need to take corrective action.

She is probably trying to take advantage of your inexperience. If you do not take action to stop the math games, she is going to continue them and probably play all sorts of other games in her dealings with you. Her explanation is merely a rationalization, and it is not acceptable.

You should meet with her in private and let her know that she cannot continue any non-work activity when she is supposed to be working. Be sure to document the specific behavior and dates, let her know the consequences if the problem continues, have her sign the documentation, and then place it in her file.

Looked at in mathematical terms, she needs to understand that her current actions do not compute, and unless she takes immediate corrective action, she is going to do a real number on her career.




Comment on this item

Your name (optional)
If you leave this blank, we'll list you as "Website visitor"


Your comments
Please keep your comments focused on the topic. Thanks!