How to handle/approach snooping co-worker?

[twuoo]

I recently started a new job. I've been there 4 days. There's lots to learn and new computer system formats to figure out.

I worked approximately a week before my supervisor had to leave for a conference. I'm still LEARNING.

The next day I came in, one of my coworkers said that I needed to correct my time sheet because I wasn't there at the time the sheet reflected. True, I made the mistake and typed in a time that was 15 minutes earlier than when I was physically there. No big deal. I made the correction.

However, what is bothering me the most is the way this coworker handled the situation.

First off, because of my degree level, I'd technically be this coworker's supervisor. Secondly, she made this demand/announcement in front of other coworkers, belittling me and insinuating that I am being a liar because I was "not there."

Just the other day, one of the coworkers present announced how he was reporting that he didn't take a lunch break, when he actually did. He still managed to get all his work done timely. I didn't say anything. I'm not there to rock the boat.

So here's what grates on my nerves....why was this coworker snooping and going through my timesheet when it's not even her place? And should I bother to approach her and let her know how tactless she was in how she handled the situation? I mean, she could have as easily took me on the side and said "oh by the way, did you know that you goofed on your timesheet?"

Maybe I am just being trite???? I feel if I don't say something, I'm just leaving the door open to become this person's doormat for something else.

Any suggestions?

[JRScott]

Most likely she feels threatened by your presence, thus to make herself look good she tries to make everyone else look bad. Sadly in our society that is becoming more and more the normal.

Unfortunately not knowing her means it is hard to tell you how to fix the situation.

[AngelinaCat]

Keep a diary of everything you do each day, including when you sign in and sign out. Also keep a record of any incidents involving this co-worker and if possible any witnesses. I would not say anything to your supervisor right now, just keep these records--just in case.

[AngelinaCatHub]

I recently started a new job. I've been there 4 days. There's lots to learn and new computer system formats to figure out.

I worked approximately a week before my supervisor had to leave for a conference. I'm still LEARNING.

The next day I came in, one of my coworkers said that I needed to correct my time sheet because I wasn't there at the time the sheet reflected. True, I made the mistake and typed in a time that was 15 minutes earlier than when I was physically there. No big deal. I made the correction.

However, what is bothering me the most is the way this coworker handled the situation.

First off, because of my degree level, I'd technically be this coworker's supervisor. Secondly, she made this demand/announcement in front of other coworkers, belittling me and insinuating that I am being a liar because I was "not there." I understand this, but you must "earn your place" first. (Pay your dues).

Just the other day, one of the coworkers present announced how he was reporting that he didn't take a lunch break, when he actually did. He still managed to get all his work done timely. I didn't say anything. I'm not there to rock the boat. He is a thief. Say nothing, time will expose him if not already known/suspected.

So here's what grates on my nerves....why was this coworker snooping and going through my timesheet when it's not even her place? And should I bother to approach her and let her know how tactless she was in how she handled the situation? I mean, she could have as easily took me on the side and said "oh by the way, did you know that you goofed on your timesheet?" She was establishing a "pecking order". Let your works show her up, not your mouth.

Maybe I am just being trite???? I feel if I don't say something, I'm just leaving the door open to become this person's doormat for something else. Let it go. Again, "Killing them with 'kindness'", is your best strategy.

Any suggestions?

I've been there, done that. When I hired apprentices to learn from me, when they thought I gave them an unfair amount of load, I simply shamed them into letting them have two calls for the day and I finished the day doing my and their work. It was not long that they were attempting to beat my work load. When I had one subordinate challenge me, in a job I gave to him, I stated, we are both not going to take this call, and I shall call our supervisor, (my boss) and let him decide. Here is what he told my apprentice: "You WILL do anything that man tells you to do. Right or wrong, he is your supervisor. If he is wrong I will take care of it, you will listen to that man as he has 20 more years of experience than you. I was quite surprised that my supervisor knew what was going on and I never reported anything. 'Hub

[justbroke]

My mom said it the best. She told me that people will challenge me, but when my work is top notch, where no one can question the quality (and quantity), that which is obvious is apparent to everyone. I have excelled at many things by just doing my work... and making sure that it is quality work. If anyone ever questions me or my integrity, I need only remind them of my work.

I had a similar problem with a manager when I was transferred at an old job. I was rising up the ladder quickly. The manager got in my face (physically) and told me he was watching me and knows that I was doing and that it was all "luck". I showed him by being consistent. I later found out that he was just jealous because I was being promoted to being his equal. What I didn't do is worry about him getting in my face or "watching" me. I was going to do what I always do. My job and doing it better than anyone else.

[albacore44]

great topic. I have worked for a large fortune 500 company for 30 years. I am salaried professional and a lead in the department. Most of us work different schedules, things are pretty loose, and management really doesn't pay attention to how long you take your lunch as long as you do your job .

So several employees approached me about an annoying habit another long term employee had , that of making comments to them when they came back from lunch a couple minutes over the alotted time, also looking at his watch every time they walked by to go to the restroom, and making little comments, etc. I always just told them to ignor it. so I started paying attention to what he was doing. I decided i would play a little sarcastic game with him to see if he gets it. Every time i pass his desk, i would say "check me off " when i return I say "check me in now" Not sure if he gets it, but i get a chuckle out of it.

[bk4sky]

idk what you can say to the coworker who did this to you...prob nothing. Some people get off on shit like that. If i were you i would just brush it off. where i work i have to get out of my seat and walk around alot, and this one lady that sits close by will always say stuff like where you going now? you working today? and i just smile and laugh it off. My boss has no problems with my work performance so if some lady wants to sit there and "check" me off thats her choice, for me i could care less what the person next to me is doing.

[twuoo]

I guess I never had anybody question my integrity like that before. So it was just a little taken aback and surprised.

Some people just have no tact and are oblivious.

Thanks for all the stories/suggestions.

I was going to say something, but I'll just move on....

Don't sweat the small stuff right?!

[Ifonly]

There is only one other thing I would consider doing. The next time you're training with your supervisor or something else that is "one on one", mention to your supervisor "how grateful you are that everyone is looking out for you during your training."

For instance say something like this - "Sally Sue Co-worker" really helped me out by pointing out that I made a mistake on my timesheet. I really appreciated it as I would never want a mistake like that to stand. It's great that we're a team and are watching out for each other."

I would do this because I would not trust this co-worker to not gossip about you to your supervisor if given the chance. By doing the above, you are presenting yourself as a team player and as an honest employee. This will nullify in advance any chance the co-worker has of presenting you as dishonest and then she will look catty.

I know it's "office politics" but I too used to think that you could just keep your head down and just do good work. Until 9 months into my job, I had a meeting with the president in which he inquired as to my mannerisms and personality - meaning, "why don't you get along?" I thought I was safe by being the one not gossiping and just minding my business. I didn't go out to drink with the little clique in the office - I have a family that I wanted to get home to, I set myself up as an outsider, in their opinions. Unfortunately, if you have a group that is intent on bullying you and a boss/owner that believes it and doesn't shut the gossip down, you're stuck.

[AngelinaCatHub]

There is only one other thing I would consider doing. The next time you're training with your supervisor or something else that is "one on one", mention to your supervisor "how grateful you are that everyone is looking out for you during your training." Excellent suggestion.

For instance say something like this - "Sally Sue Co-worker" really helped me out by pointing out that I made a mistake on my timesheet. I really appreciated it as I would never want a mistake like that to stand. It's great that we're a team and are watching out for each other." Same as above.

I would do this because I would not trust this co-worker to not gossip about you to your supervisor if given the chance. By doing the above, you are presenting yourself as a team player and as an honest employee. This will nullify in advance any chance the co-worker has of presenting you as dishonest and then she will look catty. Yes, and since you are new, you don't know that he may already know "Sally Sue" is a gossip. You would look honest, but ignorant of the office politics (which is good).

I know it's "office politics" but I too used to think that you could just keep your head down and just do good work. Until 9 months into my job, I had a meeting with the president in which he inquired as to my mannerisms and personality - meaning, "why don't you get along?" I thought I was safe by being the one not gossiping and just minding my business. I didn't go out to drink with the little clique in the office - I have a family that I wanted to get home to, I set myself up as an outsider, in their opinions. Unfortunately, if you have a group that is intent on bullying you and a boss/owner that believes it and doesn't shut the gossip down, you're stuck. Well, I think if I picked up on that kind of thought, I would have told the boss, that I liked my work that I am too intense in doing it well to socialize on company time and that I was a strong family man and a non (or light) drinker and I do not socialize outside of my family home.

What gets me, is these people who we have all seen the likes of, have more time to be concerned about other people and their habits, than they do, doing a better job at work.

Mrs. C was once chided about stepping outside of her office to recieve a broken computer into her car (about 100 feet out her door) so my customer didn't have to drive it 20 miles. She responded, "We all have 15 minutes break in the morning, 15 minutes break in the afternoon, one hour lunch, so check the back door once every hour and see who is smoking 10 minutes every hour at the back door. Then tell me I'm doing wrong."

I have nothing against smokers. Their vice not mine. However, if I were the supervisor, I would dock every minute of smoking outside of normal break times. Of course going to the bathroom is excusable in any case as that is necessary but smoking is not. 'Hub

[bk4sky]

yeah i really dont get that how some coworkers dont miss a trick, they notice when im out of my seat, they notice when im not in for the day....i dont pay attention to any of what others are doing. and my boss is cool, he knows straight up im a good worker, but want out of the dept very badly, thats why he doesnt care that i get up so much and walk around or take my pre approved time off, with all the time im off my stats are still better than the people who complain about me lol

[OregonMom]

great topic. I have worked for a large fortune 500 company for 30 years. I am salaried professional and a lead in the department. Most of us work different schedules, things are pretty loose, and management really doesn't pay attention to how long you take your lunch as long as you do your job .

So several employees approached me about an annoying habit another long term employee had , that of making comments to them when they came back from lunch a couple minutes over the alotted time, also looking at his watch every time they walked by to go to the restroom, and making little comments, etc. I always just told them to ignor it. so I started paying attention to what he was doing. I decided i would play a little sarcastic game with him to see if he gets it. Every time i pass his desk, i would say "check me off " when i return I say "check me in now" Not sure if he gets it, but i get a chuckle out of it.

Maybe somebody should approach this guy and ask him if he so much spare time to keep track of what everyone else is doing, maybe he needs some more work. Sounds like HE is the big time waster here.

[Flamingo]

I recently started a new job. I've been there 4 days. There's lots to learn and new computer system formats to figure out.

I worked approximately a week before my supervisor had to leave for a conference. I'm still LEARNING.

The next day I came in, one of my coworkers said that I needed to correct my time sheet because I wasn't there at the time the sheet reflected. True, I made the mistake and typed in a time that was 15 minutes earlier than when I was physically there. No big deal. I made the correction.

However, what is bothering me the most is the way this coworker handled the situation.

First off, because of my degree level, I'd technically be this coworker's supervisor. Secondly, she made this demand/announcement in front of other coworkers, belittling me and insinuating that I am being a liar because I was "not there."

Just the other day, one of the coworkers present announced how he was reporting that he didn't take a lunch break, when he actually did. He still managed to get all his work done timely. I didn't say anything. I'm not there to rock the boat.

So here's what grates on my nerves....why was this coworker snooping and going through my timesheet when it's not even her place? And should I bother to approach her and let her know how tactless she was in how she handled the situation? I mean, she could have as easily took me on the side and said "oh by the way, did you know that you goofed on your timesheet?"

Maybe I am just being trite???? I feel if I don't say something, I'm just leaving the door open to become this person's doormat for something else.

Any suggestions?

Here's what you do - when your supervisor returns, state you need to speak with him/her and ask if anyone was supposed to review your time sheet the first week you were there for submission. It is possible that coworker was asked (since you were new) to check your timesheet to ensure it was filled out correctly for your first time. You state she made the "demand" in front of other coworkers making comments belittling you. Is that really the case (what exactly did she state) or did you just feel uncomfortable being new and making a mistake so soon after hire? Or was she actually verbally abusive...

You need to clear the air with your supervisor as to what went on here because I sense resentment in the air which can be very difficult to deal with if not addressed and stopped.

[twuoo]

I talked to my boss today. My boss was surprised because she said nobody should be looking at anybody else's timesheets. So I thought that was kinda interesting.

Funny thing is I have good rapport with my boss. We went to school and graduate from our program together. I'd not seen her in 7 years since we graduated. So when I went on the interview, it was a very pleasant surprise!

[sisterfunkhaus]

I would ask the supervisor why people are allowed to root around in other's time sheets. I would admit that I made an accidental error and let them know that this person pointed it out in front of everyone. I would be really concerned about work place privacy. Seriously.