Issue at work

[Jaded]

I figured this would be a good place to come for advice... I am having an issue at work...

For brief background - We have a new hire- he's 23 and arrogant, rifles through my papers, ask about things I am looking at on my computer, say things like "are you going to ever do work or just check your email?"...just a real #&#$^&@.

As a result my (unprofessional, power tripping) supervisor hates him "in my defense." Now two other employees who hate HER have taken to standing up for him (even when he legitamitely does something that theyd otherwise find wrong). They also encourage him to go to HR about how he's treated.

So one morning last week I was talking to a co-worker about what he thought I should do, b/c no one else had a REAL problem except me, and now its a big drama filled mess that I cant get out of b/c it stems from me. Apparently one of the two overheard and now refuses to talk to me. Though I said NOTHING bad about her, just how the situation seemed a little hypocritical. (I should add that the one who is not speaking was not in at the time of the convo, so is not the person who overheard)

I approached her, got the cold shoulder and was told that "i'm fine, didnt do anything, and shes just being moody." Although she isnt, at least to anyone other than me. We were pretty close friends beforehand, and I know I was in the wrong to vent to another member of the department but I wanted advice in case they really turn it into an HR issue. Sigh.

Any advice?

[ValidRouge]

Re: Issue at work

This is why I don't make friends at work. I can be friendly...but I choose not to be real "friends".

My advice to you is to do your job, don't get lured into the drama and see if it blows over. If you act professional and do your job, then there is nothing anyone can say or do.

[apple]

Re: Issue at work

I would think talking to they guy first on a one-on-one without the others around to listen and talk about what's playing between you two. Maybe he misunderstands what you're doing and you may misunderstand that he's just trying to be friendly. If the conversation gets no where to settling things between the two of you, and it effects the work atmosphere, include the boss or the person in charge of employee relations to help clear the air of the moutain of misunderstandings.

Best wishes!

[Eno]

Re: Issue at work

This sounds like a script from "The Office".

One thing I would do is document everything, with date and time, just in case this does become an HR issue.

Also, make sure you lock your computer every time you leave it. If this new hire rifles through your papers, he'll have no qualms about snooping through your computer and email.

[Jaded]

Re: Issue at work

Thanks for the advice guys! I guess I will take it and just stick to myself. I am hoping it will all blow over. Although tomorrow might be a trainwreck b/c it is my supervisors first day back from vacation.

apple - I have spoken to the guy himself as each different situation arises, and he does seem to eventually get the point, though it takes many MANY times to drill it in. But now he's a pawn for the other two to take down the supervisor. (Who they act friendly with, go out to lunch with, etc..).

I dont see how they miss the hypocrisy. They are angry b/c she just hates him for no real reason. And b/c they just hate her they stand up for him even when hes in the wrong (and even if this means tossing me to the HR dogs). Office politics are crazy.