How Do You Deal With A Complainer?
Almost every workplace has one; that one employee who whines and complains at every available opportunity. It seems as if nothing anyone does is met with their approval. What’s worse is that all of that constant finding of fault with something or someone is starting to take its toll on their teammates. What does an effective HR manager do with such an individual?
According to a recent article that appeared on the HCA Mag website, the best approach is to nip this kind of behavior in the bud as soon as possible.
“Otherwise they will continue to whinge, whine, carry on forever and drive everybody crazy,” says people management specialist Karen Gately.
Gately further suggests a kind of tough-love approach before a constantly grousing worker begins to affect other workers’ enthusiasm and effectiveness. Simply waiting it out and hoping the situation will change could actually make the problem worse.
While some complaints may be legitimate, HR can do their part to help resolve the situation through direct interaction with such workers. If approached in an empathetic way and with a bit of coaching regarding their outlook, such applied guidance can turn these same employees into becoming proactive and being part of the solution.
And if they don’t, well, time to contact the recruiter again and get the paperwork ready for firing. Don’t drag it out too long.
