It has happened to most of us.
You’re working hard, cranking out project after project, when the person next to you decides to take a day off, and another day off after a few weeks. Suddenly, the whole office seems to be going at a snail’s pace.
It can be frustrating when someone else in the office is slacking off but don’t worry, you can survive. Stay on this page for a few tips for coping when your office becomes a breeding ground for laziness.
What is a slacker?
A slacker, simply put, is somebody who’s not pulling their weight in the office. They’re the person who is always coming in late, taking long lunches, and never seems to be doing any work. And while they might not be causing much harm, they can certainly be a thorn in your side.
The different types of office slackers
There are various types of office slackers, and it’s vital to know how to deal with them. For example, there’s the can’t-be-bothered slacker, who is disengaged and doesn’t care about their job. Then there’s the overwhelmed slacker, who is overworked, stressed out, and refuses to do anything anymore.
Both of these types of slackers can be a challenge to work with, but they can also be managed if you know how to approach them correctly. Try appealing to their sense of logic or reasoning, or assist them if you can. If all else fails, have a conversation with your boss about the situation.
The benefits of working with a slacker
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You may think that working with a slacker is a waste of your time, but you would be surprised at the benefits.
For starters, they can be a great motivator. Slackers usually don’t care about their work, which means they’re not going to be as competitive as you are. This can be a good thing because it means they’re not going to take over your projects or try to take credit for them.
Working with a slacker can also force you to step up your game. If you’re used to coasting along and doing the bare minimum, you’re going to have to step up your game when you’re working with someone who’s not going to do anything on their own. So instead of seeing them as a hindrance, try to see them as an opportunity to improve your skills and work harder than you ever have before.
How to get the most out of working with a slacker
But still, we know it’s tough when you’re stuck working with a slacker. This person is dragging down the rest of the team, and it’s up to you to figure out how to get the most out of this situation.
Here are a few tips for making the most of your time with a slacker:
- Give them space. Let them work at their own pace, within a reasonable timeline.
- Communicate often. Check-in with them regularly to make sure they’re staying on track.
- Set clear expectations. Make sure this person understands what’s expected of them and what the deadlines are.
- Be patient. It may take a while for this person to get their act together, but eventually, they will (or risk getting fired).
It’s tough enough having to work every day with a slacker coworker who makes your job harder than it already is, but it’s even tougher when you have to find ways to motivate that person. For a start, set realistic goals. Don’t expect your coworker to suddenly turn into a workhorse overnight, but try to set practical objectives that they can accomplish without too much effort. Then, lead by example. If you want your coworker to start taking their job more seriously, you need to show them how to. Work hard and stay focused, even when things get tough. Hopefully, they will start following your lead someday.
