Do Your Co-workers Hurt Your Productivity?
By Patrick Erwin, CareerBuilder.com writer
Ideally, co-workers all work as a team and help each other reach department goals as well as individual milestones. But sometimes, employees are more of a challenge than an asset. Whether they are unfriendly, unhelpful, chatty or just plain distracting, co-workers can be a hindrance to getting your work done. Consider the situations of Tony, Uyen and Jelena.
Tony*, a graphic designer in California, found one relationship with a co-worker to be a huge challenge. Tony is very comfortable around technology, which allows him to multitask and deal with several ideas or issues at once. This approach to technology and project management was disconcerting to the senior designer who shared his office. He tried to be Tony’s “office buddy” and engage him in conversations, instead of focusing on his own projects.
“I would be looking for code online, or reference material, or industry news. I would also watch training and tutorial videos while I worked on a project,” Tony says. The senior designer, who was unfamiliar with technology, was suspicious of Tony’s time online. “From over my shoulder, and to someone who was not doing the job I did, I am sure it looked like I was goofing off.” The initiative and drive Tony showed in absorbing information paid off; he is now the senior designer’s manager.
Uyen*, a public relations firm employee, had a nightmarish co-worker who distracted the entire staff. “She just made the work environment dreadful, and distracted people from working with her inappropriate behavior,” Uyen says. She would constantly interrupt the staff to ask about their sales deals because she was very competitive and vying to be in first place. She would make snarky comments to co-workers like, “You’re the reason everyone hates me. But let me tell you this; I’m the stronger person. Don’t you forget it!”
Jelena Woehr had a much more beneficial relationship with her co-workers. A social marketer for Disaboom.com, Woehr found that fostering social relationships with co-workers boosted her productivity. “We have a few informal pow-wows every day where we all scoot our chairs to the middle of the room and chat for a few minutes about work and life in general.”
Woehr thinks that contact has a positive effect on everyone at the office. “Staying friendly with each other helps all of us feel comfortable asking for help, and it ensures that we’re sharing what we do every day so we can minimize duplication.”
Best practices in dealing with your co-workers
Here are some ideas to keep in mind when you are dealing with your co-workers.
- Stay on message. When a chatty or disruptive co-worker tries to distract you from what you are doing, politely remind him or her that you don’t have time to talk. If the chatterbug won’t shut up, be firm and convey that you have a very busy schedule. Respond to any questions with a close-ended “Yes” or “No.”
- Strike a balance. We all have “favorite” co-workers, but try to balance your time and your attention with all your colleagues. This will minimize any possible animosity from those who might feel left out of the “club.”
- Remain focused. As a growing number of workers become more comfortable around technology, it’s easy for many of us to multitask and talk to fellow employees while we are processing work. It’s great to have a lighthearted, fun workplace. But make sure you remain focused on your primary responsibilities.
- Draw boundaries. Working with a close friend is generally a positive thing. But if you work with a close friend, it’s beneficial for both of you to draw boundaries and respect them. Agree to leave detailed personal conversations and discussions outside of work. Make sure that your discussions and your actions underscore that you are both objective, independent workers.
If co-workers are really creating a lot of friction for you and other employees, make sure your supervisor or manager is aware of the issue. He or she may be able to make subtle changes to the job duties or responsibilities for you or your co-workers. Those changes can diminish distractions, while avoiding the need for a confrontation.
Patrick Erwin is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
*Last name withheld to maintain privacy.
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Story Filed Wednesday, August 13, 2008 – 9:41 AM