Tips on Dealing with Lazy Employees

dealing with lazy employee

Share This Post

Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Share on email
Share on reddit

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

More To Explore

phone skills
dental consulting

Elevating Phone Skills in Your Dental Practice

In the fast-paced world of dentistry, most teams focus on clinical excellence, continuing education, and providing high-quality care. While these are all crucial, one of the most overlooked—but equally vital—aspects of a successful dental practice is what happens before the patient ever steps through your doors: the phone call. That first phone interaction is often

Read More »
dental lab check in
dental consulting

The Benefits of Implementing a Lab Case Check-In System in Dentistry

In a busy dental practice, efficiency and organization are key to ensuring high-quality patient care. One crucial and often overlooked aspect of dental office management is the handling of lab cases. A well-designed lab case check-in protocol ensures seamless workflows, minimizes errors, and enhances patient satisfaction. Without a proper system in place, miscommunication, misplaced cases,

Read More »
economic impact
dental consulting

The Economic Impact on Dental Care Affordability: A Growing Concern

In recent years, economic uncertainty has played a significant role in shaping people’s ability to afford dental care. Inflation, stagnant wages, job losses, and rising costs of living have forced many individuals and families to make tough financial choices. Unfortunately, oral health often takes a backseat when money is tight. The link between the economy

Read More »

Have Questions?

Schedule a call with one of our consultants today to find out how we can help!

Are You Setting Your

New Hire Up For Success?

Enter Your Email to Receive your

New Hire Checklist

Scroll to Top