Dear Coleen

COVERING FOR COLLEAGUE IS SO STRESSFUL

I’m finding it hard to cope in the office because someone I work closely with is constantly off sick. I have to cover her work as well as my own and I resent it.

I’m tired, I’m home late pretty much every night and I feel really angry with her. I hate my job now and feel really hard done by.

Why should I suffer when she’s able to put her feet up at home?

Have you any advice?

Coleen says

Yes, it’s pointless being angry at your absent colleague. You’re focusing on the wrong person.

What you need to be doing is talking to your boss about how the company is going to manage this extra work long term because it’s not fair on you and it’s taking its toll on your health and wellbeing.

You’ll soon end up being off work with stress if it carries on and then they’ll have double the problem to contend with.

Perhaps your bosses thought this would be a short-term thing and maybe, because you haven’t said anything, they think you’re coping fine.

So speak up and I’m sure when you do people will start making plans to cover this position until your colleague is back on her feet.

Good luck!