We all have coworkers that we do not get along with. Sometimes we have our reasons why we do not get along and other times it’s just personalities clash each other. Some coworkers are just bad workers all the way around. Maybe they are looking for some way to get out of work. Maybe they steal, lie, and cheat their way through work. Either way we will always have an opinion about another coworker and their work ethics. But what happens when everything just keeps getting worse because of one coworker? Do you have conflict at your place of work?
Take so long to notice poor work ethic.
Sometimes we wonder why poor work ethic takes so long to discover. Well, it actually doesn’t. Two things will happen in the workplace and with coworkers. Coworkers with poor work ethics will always act “good” and “be over the top” around new coworkers and around any type of management. Another thing a coworker with poor work ethics will do is pretend to be good around the people they work closely at first then as time progresses, they will get lazier/sloppier, they will also get more comfortable and start letting their true work colors show. While this is so gradual you may not recognize this until it’s been happening so long that it’s hard to change the coworker or get them in trouble. Have you ever worked with a coworker that seemed okay at first but gradually got worse?
Identifying poor work ethics.
Sometimes poor work ethics do not affect us and other times it directly affects us. Let’s say in this case it directly affects our work and the way the company views us too. The first thing is identifying the poor work ethics and comparing them to the company policies. If policies are broken, then obviously you have a case to bring up to management. Sometimes poor work ethics can also be a safety concern or a concern that could stain the image of the company. These are harder to prove that the coworker is not doing something right but is still a good idea to bring up to management. Have you ever tried to bring a concern up to management?
Results!
If management sees evidence or feels there is a concern they will deal with the coworker and discipline as necessary. What happens when the coworker is on a fine line of breaking a policy or safety concern but there is no evidence or there really isn’t a policy for what poor work ethics the coworker has. If we are really concerned or if the work the coworker is doing directly affects us and our job, then we must do something. Or so we want to. Have you ever really wanted to let management know of someone’s poor work ethics?
Exposing your coworker.
Especially when there is potential that you could get in trouble for your coworker’s actions, then you must take actions. Make it known when their poor work ethics are at their highest point. When they are performing their poor work ethics then document it, take pictures if able to, and get management to see it firsthand. When management can see it firsthand for themselves then they are able to take action and correct it. Have you ever exposed a coworker for their poor work ethics?
What I have done!
I have had many coworkers with very poor work ethics. I have had coworkers steal from hospitals. I have had coworkers be lazy about their job and give poor patient care. As soon as something is happening that goes against company policy, safety issue, or degrades the company image then I will document it by writing emails, incident reports, and I have always contacted upper management. I always hold a higher status because I was always in a lower management position or a field training officer. I do not tolerate poor workmanship or poor work ethics. I think everyone who does something wrong, knowingly, is then expected the repercussions from it. Treat others how you want to be treated. Even when I do patient care, treat patients how you want your family treated. I would be pretty upset if my family was treated the way some healthcare professions treat patients.
How have you handled a coworker who has poor workmanship or poor ethics?
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