How to Handle a Difficult Co-Worker

How to Handle a Difficult Co-Worker Stress Management Job Stress Print How Can I Deal With a Difficult Co-Worker? By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on January 16, 2020 Eric Herchaft/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images More in Stress Management Job Stress Workplace Bullying Effects on Health Management Techniques Situational Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress The need to find strategies for handling difficult co-workers is one of the most common among those who work in an office environment. Whether its the office gossip who spreads whatever dirt they hear, the slacker who expects to offload his responsibilities onto others, or any of the myriad other office stereotypes, there seems to be at least one in every office. Because avoiding them is sometimes not an option, many people wonder about the best way to deal with these stress-inducing  energy-drainers, and the solutions cant come too soon. Fortunately, there are a few best ways that can work, in terms of reducing their impact on your stress levels. While all people are different, there are some basic universal options for dealing with difficult co-workers. You can try one or more to improve your situation: Go to H.R. Whether you have a formal Human Resources department or just one person who supervises everyone, there should be someone whos in charge of employee peace-keeping. You can document your concerns and take them to this person. If you do, be specific about what is upsetting you. For example, dont say, This person is driving me crazy!, say, This person habitually asks me to do her work while she visits chat rooms, or whatever the case may be. Without making personal attacks, calmly state the behavior thats bothering you, and ask if something can be done. Address the Offending Party Directly The next time Your Nemesis does something that you object to, in an assertive (rather than aggressive) way, speak up. Politely, but firmly, say that you dont appreciate the off-color jokes, dont want to do their extra work, or tell them whatever else is on your mind. You may not get a positive response at first, but you may. And youll also get the benefit of speaking your mind, and will at least get the message out there for everyones consideration. Let It Roll off Your Back If the problems dont affect you too strongly, you may choose to get better at ignoring them. This may seem difficult at first, but theres something to be said for choosing your battles. If you are dealing with someone who tells your secrets around the office, stop sharing them. If youre dealing with someone who has offensive body odor, stay at a comfortable distance. Not everything can be ignored, but by focusing on other things, some problems can bother you much less than you would think. Look for a  New Job If youve talked to your co-worker, human resources, and everyone else there is to talk to, you cant live with the problem, and nothing else can be done to change it, and this person causes you significant daily stress, you may consider changing jobs. Its sad if things have to come to this, but there may be a better job out there for you, and you wouldnt have been seeking it out if you didnt have a difficult co-worker prompting you to make a change. There are potential positives in every situation. The trick is to find them.