When a Coworker Won't Produce

Most of us find that we have more than enough to contend with focusing on our productivity in the workplace. Making sure that we meet expectations and satisfy quotas or productivity levels consumes many workers on a daily basis. In reality, however, many work environments require that we work as part of a team or a department and the productivity levels of our teammates and coworkers can have a direct impact on our own job performance. When a coworker isn't producing, it can be tough to "mind our own business" since it influences are work world too.

A coworker's lack of productivity can be detrimental to the entire team. The last thing you want is to have someone else's performance reflecting poorly on you. Take stock of the situation and see if there is anything you can do to encourage or support the coworker in getting things back on track. Sometimes a little encouragement can go a long way. It can also be helpful to determine if there is something temporary or personal going on in the coworker's life to contribute to a bout of unproductivity. While going to the supervisor may be inevitable, it can be teambuilding to consider other approaches first.

It can also be helpful to enlist the help of some of the other coworkers and team members to support a lackluster performer. This does not mean "covering for" or doing the other person's work, but brainstorming a solution as a team can be a reasonable way to deal with productivity problems. It might be a little misunderstanding or some other reason and a little team support can increase the coworker's productivity levels.

If all else fails, it may be necessary to have a chat with the supervisor. It is important to keep the focus on work performance and NOT make the conversation personal. A personal attack or whining about the other's performance will only reflect poorly on the person making the complaint. Try a positive , problem-solving approach and offer to help find a solution, all the while letting the supervisor know that your focus is on the overall output and productivity of the department or work team.

Keep the focus on work whenever possible and try to stay professional, despite any personal aggravation you might be experiencing over a coworker's lack of productive contributions.