Deal with problem workmates
Friday 24 November 2006
So you've got the job, you're earning the cash and you've finally got that bit of independence.
For many of you, it's the first time you'll have spent so much time with people of all different ages or backgrounds outside of your family, so it might seem quite weird at first.
Hopefully your workplace will be full of great people who you'll get on really well with. If your colleagues are giving you grief, however, here's how you can deal with it.
The gossip
They know just about everything that's going on in the building, whether it's who's seeing who or how many pens you have in your top drawer.
You need to be careful what to say around this person. They thrive on information and will see any newcomer as an opportunity to find out even more. Only tell people at work things that you'd be happy for anybody to know.
If the office gossip is bitching about your colleagues so freely to you, imagine what they could be saying about you behind your back. There's no need to be suspicious or paranoid, just watch what you say.
The bully
Bullying doesn't end at the school gates; it can carry on into the workplace, whatever the type of work you do. Wherever and whenever it happens, you shouldn't tolerate bullying on any level.
The person bullying you is in the wrong and may have problems of his or her own that they need to sort out.
If you can, just stay out of their way as much as possible, but if you really can't avoid them and they're making your life a misery, you should confide in a colleague you trust.
Most companies should take bullying very seriously and have procedures in place to deal with it. Make a note of every incident and present this evidence to your manager.
The ferocious boss
Everyone can find their manager a little intimidating on their first day. Soon, after working together for a while, you should get used to each other and realise that your boss isn't so bad after all.
If your boss continues to be off with you and is noticeably hostile, it might be worth asking if he or she has a problem with your work. Your boss will either appreciate your courage in asking or bawl you out, but it might be a risk worth taking.
If talking doesn't seem to help and your boss is still a nightmare, try and find out if there's somebody you can tell about this problem: a higher-level manager, perhaps.
The sleaze
This problem colleague can seem like a laugh at first, but soon you might notice that a lot of their jokes are rude or sexist.
Maybe they've said stuff to you that you consider inappropriate about your appearance or something you're wearing, or are asking you personal questions about your private life.
If someone's behaviour is making you feel uncomfortable, then you should first of all tell this person that you don't find their jokes very funny. Some crude colleagues find fun in the fact that you might feel ill at ease, so try to appear confident. Make it clear that your private life is just that- private- and avoid them if you can.
Once they realise they haven't got an audience for their smutty comments, they'll probably give up on you. If things go further and this colleague begins to harass you or make unwelcome advances, make sure you tell somebody you trust as soon as you can.
For more advice on bullying in the workplace or dealing with harassment, talk to Connexions Direct.
