Employees are an integral part of any business. As they are hired to complete specific job duties, some employees will naturally be more productive than others. Unfortunately, most businesses suffer from the occasional lazy employee, which may end up costing the company money in lost production and end in discipline or dismissal. Bryant Consultants, a small business-consulting agency, understands the impact that lazy employees can have on the bottom line and is sharing tips on dealing with these cases.
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The Magician
An employee who seems to disappear at any time without an explanation is known as the magician. The employee could be taking long breaks or extended two-hour lunches, but they rarely have a legitimate reason behind their actions. Sometimes, the employee may call in sick when an important project is due, or a deadline falls on the same day. No matter how or why the employee disappears, they leave the rest of the team to complete their work.
How to deal with The Magician:
It can be challenging to deal with the magician because their disappearances often occur where time-expectations are not clearly defined. However, by enforcing time-expectations, it could make it easier to discipline or dismiss the magician.
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The Victim
Equivalent to the student in school whose “dog ate their homework,” these employees find excuses for being late or not completing their work on time. The victim is not afraid to show up often enough to get a paycheck but may make excuses to shirk their everyday responsibilities.
How to deal with The Victim:
Document the employee’s behavior from the first day of employment. Although documenting the first few excuses may seem ridiculous, it could help you establish a potential pattern, eventually leading to discipline or dismissal.
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The Procrastinator
Procrastination is a normal part of human behavior. However, the procrastinator often waits until the last minute to work on projects leaving others guessing about where the project stands. The procrastinator usually wastes time on non-essential tasks resulting in stress, frustration, and anxiety for other team members while jeopardizing projects.
How to deal with The Procrastinator:
Setting specific deadlines or quick meetings throughout the project could help keep the procrastinator accountable for their work. If needed, daily check-ins on their progress may help keep them on track.
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The Delegator
Avoiding work is the delegator’s main trait as they consistently push work on other employees even when not in a supervisory position. They could cause employee morale to drop, creating hostility. Be aware the delegator may attempt to ask clients to complete their work risking the company’s reputation.
How to deal with The Delegator:
Pay close attention to the production level of the delegator without overpowering them with micromanagement. Provide specific tasks for them, emphasizing that it must be completed by them and them only. If the assignments are not completed by the delegator, enforce discipline for their lack of production. Then, if the situation reoccurs, their dismissal should be considered.
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The Troublemaker
The most dangerous type of lazy worker is the troublemaker who often visits other employee’s desks spreading gossip, stirring up drama, and constantly chit-chatting. If the employee is confined to their desk, they may engage in the same type of conduct through email or an online social platform. The troublemaker is disruptive, causing a decrease in productivity of otherwise interrupting productive employees. Also, they could expose confidential information putting your business at risk.
How to deal with The Troublemaker:
Although the troublemaker is not breaking the rules, they do cause disruption in productivity, resulting in lost profits. Therefore, consider engaging with them to learn their challenges and how you may be able to help.
Business Consulting in Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City
It can be challenging to spot a lazy worker during an interview. It takes time to learn the work habits of others, no matter their past work experience or what is on their resume. Well documented acts of laziness could help with employee discipline, or in extreme cases, dismissal. It could also help recoup lost production, increasing your bottom line. If you need assistance with running or growing your business, the small business coaches at Bryant Consultants can provide valuable insight and resources. Feel free to call (877) 768-4799 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.
