I hired a woman approx. 2 months ago for a position in our very small company. Very Mom & Pop. We do not have a fancy phone system or database. We do many duplicate steps because we are not automated. I in no way believe that this way is the best way, but, for now, it's just the way it is. We are growing and experiencing growing pains. Because of this growth, we are encountering things for the first time and have no system in place.

I have come to realize, that perhaps, this woman accepted our job because she had been out of work for awhile. She is very negative, very abrasive and does the job, but with the constant undertone of displeasure. While I feel badly for anyone who has been out of work, I can't have her in here being so negative. "Technically", she does the job but her displeasure about everything is apparent. I have tried to make adjustments to her job description as well as to the spreadsheets that we rely heavily upon.

What else could/should I do? Can I just flat out ask her if she's unhappy? She is very helpful and pleasant some of the time, while other times, not at all. She strikes me a a nice person who has just had some rough times, but she has got to stop being so negative in the office.

twinkiedooter

Try talking with her. Quite possibly she does have some problem that is really eating at her during the daytime when certain situations arise. If she does her job well but just has the negatitive attitude at times, do give her a chance to change her ways. If, after your talk with her and her attitude does not change for the better in say a month, then show her the door and tell her that you're sorry, but this is a business and we need everyone to be on the same page mentally at all times.

Wildsporty

One tactic I use with these type of negative employees and we all have them, is to ask them how they would do it better?

When she complains say to her "Let's talk about this." I am getting the impression that you are unhappy with this process. I am open to ideas. Do you have a better soulution ?

If she does have an idea, listen and give her a chance to prove it will work. If it works you have a better system. If it does not work than say we have tried this..it is not working we are going back to the old system.

Shirley

ballengerb1

Many employeees are considered "at will" employees and can be terminated for no cause, check your states employment laws to see if she is 'At will" Fish or cut bait, it is up to you but I have not seen people make significant changes in behavior because you sat them down. If you can live with her the way she is then keep her and try to talk to her but do not hold your breathe. If you look at her today and say to yourself that you can't tolerate this type of employee then terminate her.