Managing your relationship with your coworkers is already tricky in itself since you have to balance camaraderie with professionalism. It is even more difficult when you have to work with people you dislike.
They can be disrespectful, arrogant, and bossy, making every minute in the office harder for you. It could be so infuriating that you might even choose to resign and give up the company’s group supplemental insurance carrier policy for some peace of mind.
But, before you decide to write that resignation letter, take a deep breath and try to relax. There are better ways to handle coworkers you do not like.
Record their behavior
The first thing you should do is to monitor their behavior. If they are truly upsetting you and even other employees, it is important that you have proof so that the HR department can take the necessary actions.
For example, some of your coworkers often boss you around and make you do their work. Find a way to document their behavior. You can store all of their emails or messages to you. You can also ask your other colleagues, discreetly, if they have anything to say about your difficult coworkers. Perhaps you can get more witnesses to corroborate your claim.
Talk to them
Another tactic you might want to try is to simply talk to them. By discussing your problem with them, you might be able to break any barriers between you. You might even get to understand why they are acting that way.
Perhaps your coworkers are undergoing something deeply frustrating back home and their only outlet is to focus their anger at work. Or, perhaps they also see you as a difficult colleague. If that is the case, both of you could talk it out and fix the problem. But, be prepared to deal with some animosity, too.
People often do not want to be called on for their bad behavior, so do not expect your coworkers to talk to you peacefully. What you can do is to keep the conversation civil and impassionate. Lay down the facts and let them respond if they have something to say, too. If you end up having a heated discussion, now is the time to have a mediator to step in.
Talk to your HR manager
If it looks like both of you cannot see eye to eye with your relationship in the office, then it would be better if you talk to your HR manager. The HR manager will be able to serve as your mediator and view your situation without bias.
The HR manager can also help find a way for both of you to work peacefully. And if your claims are accurate, they can help manage your coworkers’ detrimental behavior.
Working with insufferable coworkers can make your life difficult. But being in the same office with bossy and arrogant people should not be a death sentence to your career. You have the right to voice your concerns because you have the right to work in a peaceful environment.
