Q: My co-worker is underperforming and leaving me to complete their work on top of my duties. This is affecting my productivity. How can I approach the situation with management without throwing them under the bus?
A: Working in a team dynamic can be fulfilling and productive, but at times can lead to a clash of personalities — or in your case, an imbalanced work dynamic.
Before approaching management, try resolving the issue by speaking directly with your colleague who may be unaware of your struggles.
While the conversation may not be easy, it is important because it allows you to convey how their actions are making it difficult for you to manage tasks.
Additionally, your co-worker may be dealing with outside factors such as mental health or personal struggles causing their underperformance, so empathy is also key.
They may also be struggling to understand a task or instructions which is causing them to fall behind.
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This means that having a conversation is an opportunity for you to answer questions which in turn helps your co-worker further understand their duties.
What to do after a conversation does not change your work dynamic
After chatting, give your colleague time to make meaningful changes.
If you find that they are still not meeting expectations and are displaying problematic behaviour — submitting projects late, not completing tasks, not asking for help from team leaders — it may be time to approach management.
What roles do HR and management play
Your management is required to offer employees the tools and support they need to fulfil their work-related responsibilities.
If an employee is struggling to stay afloat, it is on your manager to step in and intervene.
It is not your role as an employee to overextend yourself and do the job of your colleagues.
Your co-worker may be offered further training and other support if the company sees fit.
The HR team’s job is to ensure that the company is fostering a safe and comfortable work environment for the unique and diverse needs of all employees.
They do this by enforcing company-wide rules outlined in a code of conduct, human rights regulations, occupational health and safety rules and .
Your right to disconnect may be violated if you are doing your job as well as someone else’s.
Additionally, depending on your position you could be entitled to overtime.
Company policies are based on provincial and federal legislation, so it is on the HR team to keep up with any changes to laws that impact employees, or if any policies are being violated.
If you notice that your working relationship with your colleague has not improved after speaking with management, consider approaching your HR representative.
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They can hold your manager accountable by following up, working directly with your co-worker, or finalizing the next step, which may be termination.
All you can do is work hard and communicate any issues you are experiencing in good faith to your employer.
You are not required to be a martyr.
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