Constant texts and personal phone calls, avoidance of project work, excessive breaks…these are all signs of a lazy coworker. It is frustrating to know an employee is a slacker while your desk is getting buried with work. Most employees face lazy people in the office at some point. A non-productive employee is an annoying coworker who impacts the atmosphere and profitability of a company. Some chose to ignore the problem; others “pick up the slack” so that projects move forward. Both are short term solutions that allow the issue to fester. You must take steps to confront the lazy coworker problem.

First, confirm that the coworker is really a slacker and not an undervalued employee. Often an employee will not reach potential without challenge. Analyze your irritation and the larger picture before filing the employee under the category of “lazy people.” Also, verify that the person is not simply an annoying coworker with whom you are finding fault; double check with the office team to validate your perceptions.

Secondly, move forward with documentation; track dates and times of the problem behavior. Then have a private chat with the annoying coworker about the issues; keep documentation ready just in case. Quietly explain how you, the team and the company are being impacted; talk about helpful changes. Be positive to minimize a defensive reaction. Listen to his responses. Although he may make excuses, your coworker needs to feel that he has some input.

If you are met with hostility, calmly stop the process and move to the supervisor with your concerns. However, if the person is willing to adjust or did not realize he was being perceived as a slacker, he may have some new approaches. The team can provide input here in terms of expectations and how they can help the lazy coworker better reach his potential. Encourage him to talk to his supervisor about more challenge in his work.

After the intervention, give the coworker a chance to implement corrections. Let him know that, if no changes result, you will speak to his supervisor. Follow through with upper management if necessary. This may need to happen more than once; many bosses also avoid dealing with lazy people. Make sure you still have relevant documentation; present yourself in a very positive manner. You do not want to end this intervention labeled as a whiner who is not a team player.

For an even more, lazy coworker scenarios and in-depth solutions, be sure to read The Chronicles of a Hardworking Slacker (http://www.hardworkingslacker.com) by Tanya Michelle. This book goes into vivid details on various situation you might encounter while working with a "slacking" coworker and provides some very amusing and insightful solutions.