Not sure how to complain about a chatty, annoying or lazy colleague? Follow these steps to avoid being the moaner.

No one likes a rat, but when a co-worker never does their part in a project or chats continuously, they can easily start rubbing you off the wrong way. Here's how to handle the situation without looking like a whining employee.

Only complain if your work is affected. If the person you’re complaining about is failing to meet their deadline - which is directly affecting your productivity then yes, tell your boss about it. The same goes if the person’s constant, loud chatting is causing you to lose focus or get distracted. But if your problem colleague has no direct impact on your work, let things be.  

First try to handle it on your own. Try not to bug your manager with every little thing. If it is something that you can resolve, try to politely talk to your co-worker first. If you go directly to your boss, they might ask you what you’ve done to resolve the situation, if you say nothing; it would probably leave question marks in your boss’ mind.

Also read: Career habits that will cost you your job

Timing matters. Don’t tell your boss about the problem when they’re about to run into an urgent meeting; set-up a meeting and talk about things when you and your boss have the time for it. That way you’ll have their attention when you need it.

Only state the problem. When you’re talking to your boss, focus on the problem at hand. There’s no need to go into other details that you dislike about your colleague. Only talk about the actual problem and how it’s negatively affecting your work. Tell your boss that even though you’ve talked to your colleague nothing has changed.

Also read: Eliminate stress

Don’t just leave the problem with your boss. After telling your boss about your problem colleague, ask if they have any advice on how to resolve the situation. This approach tells your boss that you want to help the situation and not make it worse by making your colleague seem incompetent. 

Co-worker too much to deal with? Perhaps its time for a career change. Let Careers24 help you get where you want to be.