How Can I Deal With a Difficult Co-Worker?

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 it's someone who spreads gossip, or someone who expects to offload their responsibilities onto others, there are ways to address any difficulties you're facing with your co-workers.

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 can't 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 who's '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, don't say, 'This person is driving me crazy!', say, 'This person habitually asks me to do their work while they're on their phone, or whatever the case may be.

Address the Offending Party Directly

The next time someone does something that you object to, in an assertive (rather than aggressive) way, speak up. Politely, but firmly, say that you don't appreciate the inappropriate jokes, don't 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 you'll also get the benefit of speaking your mind, and will at least get the message out there for everyone's consideration.

Let It Roll off Your Back

If the problems don't affect you too strongly, you may choose to get better at ignoring them. This may seem difficult at first, but there's 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 you're dealing with someone who has offensive body odor, stay at a comfortable distance.

Look for a New Job

If you've talked to your co-worker, human resources, and everyone else there is to talk to, you can't 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. It's sad if things have to come to this, but there may be a better job out there for you, and you wouldn't have been seeking it out if you didn't have a difficult co-worker prompting you to make a change. There are potential positives in every situation. The trick is to find them.