Coworker is freaking me out

Question

I'm an assistant manager, one of my cashiers thinks that we are best friends and 'like sisters' she is ok while we are at work together, but she will text me after work the weirdest things. A lot of the times its actual gibberish and you cant understand a thing she is saying. The way she has attached herself to me(shes only been working with us for 5 months) and the things she says are just not really professional. Shes trying to be on a personal level with me but now shes starting to freak me out when she texts me a load of gibberish. I'm not really sure what to do here. She has a hard time understanding simple sentences through text message. She texted me earlier and from what I could make out is that she needed my help. ..with no explanation why or for what...but then when I didnt text her back she started texting something about if we are friends or not...its just weird now....we are short handed too..so I dont want to hurt her feelings and make her want to quit...again..I'm not sure if anyone else has this problem..but if you do what have you done to turn things around?

Tammy Hager · Answer

You should have a conversation with her and remind her you dont mind talking to her at work but please dont text you after work. You need to draw the line on the boss/friend relationship and dont engage in unprofessional or inappropriate discussions. Keep it strictly business.
Dont feel you need to be her friend because your short staffed. If she quits, she quits..

Melanie · Answer

Considering telling her as a manager , you need to make sure that all cashiers are treated equally and want to make sure there are no perceptions of favoritism with you.  Therefore, we are going to have to remain professional and I’m not going to be able to socialize or have personal interactions  with you outside of work.  Good luck!

Bosslady501667 · Answer

Call her and meet in public there maybe more. That you need to hear!!!!

ANDREA HERRERA · Answer

Set the boundary with all the staff that while you like them all as people you prefer to keep your professional and personal lives separate.  In order to do that you want to remind all of them to please not text or call you after hours regarding personal topics.  Also remind them that  you are happy to be friendly and professional, but do not feel it is an appropriate boundary to be friends outside of work.  Perhaps if you speak to everyone this will ease any hurt fgeelings.

I would also ensure you have documented with your manager and Human Resources.

Maggie B · Answer

Sounds like you could benefit from setting some healthy boundaries with her.

Emily Pehl · Answer

Some good advice above!

How does she interact with customers? That she has trouble clearly communicating with you makes me question how she is with others at work have you observed her?

Jel26 · Answer

You may be her only outlet to a social life.  Be open and I would definitely try to get to know her just a tad bit more.  Also you may learn something from her or vs.  You met her for a reason.  I always try to figure out why I meet certain people and I can usually gain something from it or pass on information.   But but but do not ignore your instincts!!!!!!!

Anonymous · Answer

The gibberish would bother me, too.

First, observe her at work and make sure she’s interacting/communicating  appropriately. If there are any work issues, resolve these immediately.

Second, gently advise her that you truly value her as a worker and good colleague, but that, as a manager, you can’t accept text messages outside of work.

Coworker is freaking me out

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