Co worker asked for a temp to come in and help her with a project she is behind on.

Anonymous

September 22,2021 at 10:18PM UTC

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Co worker asked for a temp to come in and help her with a project she is behind on. She specifically asked that the temp come in at 8am. The temp has been on time - it's the coworker who is late! Day 1: she was 2 hours late; day two: she was 1.5 hours late. I'm trying to find things for the temp to do while we wait for coworker to honor us with her presence. Our manager isn't bothered and doesn't seem to care. So annoying!! Totally unprofessional and just exasperating that big boss doesn't care!! Can I do anything? Should I do anything?

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AnonymousSeptember 22,2021 at 10:22PM UTC
As a temp, I'd be calling the office to get out.
And I'd be very thankful that YOU care!
I'm not sure what you can do - except maybe of you need help in anything? I know you aren't a babysitter and I applaud you for trying!!!
Regina BrownSeptember 22,2021 at 11:27PM UTC
Wait....why are you trying to find things for the temp to do?
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 6:07PM UTC
I'm kind of the default person at work. If something needs to be organized or handled, it comes down to me. Also, I was a temp for years - so coworkers think I have an inside angle with the temp agency (I don't). This office is pure chaos. I'm trying to keep the ball rolling here.
Regina BrownSeptember 23,2021 at 9:46PM UTC
Well, by continuing to find the temp work, you are "allowing" your co-worker to come in late because you "allow" yourself to be the default person. If you want this to stop, you will have to say something...what you allow...will continue.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2021 at 12:11AM UTC
Just keep everyone apprised of the available temp to help out while she waits for the coworker to appear.
Kathy MachaconSeptember 23,2021 at 4:22AM UTC
There are some other details that I think are also important that you didn't mention.
Are you at the same level as the co-worker? Are you both in a supervisory position? Unless you outrank the colleague, her being late is between her and her manager. It may very well be that there is a reason for it, which she had already discussed with her boss. Also, she may be working late or from home during off hours, which you would have no visibility to.
The most I would do is mention to your colleague that the temp may need some additional guidance. Outside of that, I wouldn't do anything. Without your knowing all the facts (which upper management would not discuss with you anyway) it could raise the question why you're so concerned with what your colleagues are doing, and not focusing on your own work.
Regina BrownSeptember 23,2021 at 9:54PM UTC
NIIIIIIIIIIIIICE!! You nailed it!!!
Kari ParkerSeptember 29,2021 at 10:09PM UTC
**Update: Temp Day #8 : Coworker late again - temp waited two hours and left. She has not returned and asked her temp agency to let us know she will not work for our company again. Managers here are totally unfazed and coworker has NOT been talked to AT ALL about her part in this. Co Worker is also furious that we "failed to keep the temp happy" while waiting for her. It's totally my fault and she is mad... whatever. I won't be helping her again.
Regina BrownSeptember 30,2021 at 8:48PM UTC
Who CARES that she is mad!!! Tell this ungrateful child that she can just easily call to let her coworkers know that she is going to be late (I am giving her the benefit of the doubt because she may have a medical condition that allows her to work certain hours) and the manager cannot reveal. However, at the end of the day...KEEP THE LINE MOVING! She is NOT your manager.