Slacker nation at the office

Dealing with co-workers who don’t pull their weight

There are dozens of different types of annoying co-workers. People who don’t pull their weight around the office — especially when you are busting your butt — can be particularly problematic,  says Lynne Eisaguirre, author of numerous career books including “Stop Pissing Me Off!: What to Do When the People You Work with Drive You Crazy” (Adams, $13).

So what’s the best way to deal with these lazy bums?  Try focusing on specifics. “Chunk it down,” as she says, since a total personality transplant is not an option. “You have to start with small changes of behavior ... Saying ‘you’re a slacker,’ ‘you’re not pulling your weight,’ those kind of broad things, those just make people defensive, and they’re not going to get you anywhere.” If you want someone to turn their report in on time, for example, because their delay is causing you to fall behind, come at them from that specific angle.

The first step is giving someone understanding and appreciation. Try saying “I understand that you have a lot on your desk.” Coming from this position can help avoid a more direct confrontation that may be perceived as hostile. The second step is explaining your specific request. Say “I need your report by the 15th of the month or else mine will be late.” Thirdly, follow up with more appreciation.

If that doesn’t work, you have to escalate it, adding some sort of specific consequences. That doesn’t mean going directly to the boss, however. Save that as a last resort. Bosses often prefer employees to work out their differences on their own, anyway.

Take a lesson from one of her favorite books, “Kicked, Bitten, and Scratched: Life and Lessons at the World’s Premier School for Exotic Animal Trainers”  (Penguin, $15).

“You don’t train a seal to bounce a ball on his head by nagging him, or yelling at him or accusing him of being a slacker,” Eisaguirre explains. “You use small behavioral changes and rewards to get him to do it.”

Sound advice, especially if your co-workers are already acting like animals,  anyway.