Coworkers Respecting Each Other's Office Space

[SilverBells, BSN]

For most nurses, most of our time is spent in patients' rooms, providing patient care.  Eventually, though, most of us will sneak away to do some charting.  And sometimes, it gets crowded in the office area.  

What are tips and tricks you use in the workplace to promote respect in the office area? 

One example is this: As a nurse manager, I have an office and computer designated for me to complete work.  Other nursing staff are not to use that computer when I am present because it is designed for the person fulfilling the manager role.  They also need to be out closer to where call lights are more visible so they can be more attentive to patient needs.  While most of the staff seem to understand this arrangement, I did have an issue with a CNA who had her own mind this last week.   As I walked into my office area to check my emails and plan my day of work, I noticed that she was sitting there, on her cell-phone and completing non-work related tasks and/or tasks that should be put off until later.  I politely asked the aide to please use the computer at the further end of the office.  I explained that I needed my computer to complete my work, and there was another computer available that would allow her to be closer to the call lights and patients.  Long story short, this aide became adamant that she would not move, even after I explained to her that there were weights and vitals to be obtained, breakfast to be served and call lights to be answered.  I reiterated that I needed my space to complete my work.  She refused, stating "this isn't your computer," and "why don't you go do those things."  I informed her that if this continued, I would report this.  I would give her another chance, but I would report it.  She finally leaves the computer, and goes to complain to HR about me.   Later on, I spoke with my supervisor, and the aide was in the wrong.  

However, how do others of you handle disrespectful interactions such as this? 

[MPKH, BSN, RN]

You’re the manager, your job is to manage your staff. Part of that is dealing with insubordination and work performance. 

If it’s your office, lock the door when you’re not there. I’ve worked in three hospitals now, and I’ve seen all my managers do this. 

 

[SilverBells, BSN]

55 minutes ago, MPKH said:

You’re the manager, your job is to manage your staff. Part of that is dealing with insubordination and work performance. 

If it’s your office, lock the door when you’re not there. I’ve worked in three hospitals now, and I’ve seen all my managers do this. 

 

I can't lock the office door, unfortunately, but I've started locking the computer.  Hopefully, that gets the message across.

Honestly, I wasn't going to say anything to my supervisor.  However, that changed when the aide went to HR to complain about me. 

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

15 minutes ago, SilverBells said:

I can't lock the office door, unfortunately, but I've started locking the computer.  Hopefully, that gets the message across.

Honestly, I wasn't going to say anything to my supervisor.  However, that changed when the aide went to HR to complain about me. 

 Of course you MUST lock your computer. Check your Policy and procedures. You also must manage the assistants. You gave her a directive to and she refused. Write her up each and every time. She was slacking off, on YOUR computer no less.

[TriciaJ, RN]

Do NOT tolerate in-your-face insubordination.  Do not politely explain what work needs to be done or justify your actions.  Is there some reason she doesn't understand her job title?  Or yours?  And then she runs to complain about you?  She's not just lazy; she's clueless.

You need to be seeing a whole new attitude real soon, or she needs to be  out of there on the end of someone's foot.  Meanwhile "OUT of my office!  Why aren't you working?"  And write up everything.  This one is going to need a paper trail.

I just reread the title of this thread.  She is not your coworker; she is your subordinate.  And it's not a matter of respecting your office space; it's about respecting you.

[Davey Do]

Your perspective, insights, and posts continue to be so comforting, @TriciaJ.

[Emergent, RN]

I think you need to take an assertiveness course ASAP. I see a common theme in more than one of your threads. 

[Davey Do]

8 minutes ago, Emergent said:

I think you need to take an assertiveness course ASAP. I see a common theme in more than one of your threads. 

But if she follows your and others advice, Emergent, and gets all self-actualized, it'll be like a Christmas without SilverBells!

[SmilingBluEyes]

On 4/13/2021 at 3:42 PM, SilverBells said:

I can't lock the office door, unfortunately, but I've started locking the computer.  Hopefully, that gets the message across.

Honestly, I wasn't going to say anything to my supervisor.  However, that changed when the aide went to HR to complain about me. 

Problem solved. Don't do more unless you still have problems despite computer being locked. They can complain all they want to. It's your office and they have no business there.

One more thing: are employee files kept in your office? If so either move them, lock them up in there or figure out how to lock the door.

[HarleyvQuinn, MSN, RN, NP]

On 4/13/2021 at 5:41 PM, SilverBells said:

She refused, stating "this isn't your computer," and "why don't you go do those things."  I informed her that if this continued, I would report this.  I would give her another chance, but I would report it.  She finally leaves the computer, and goes to complain to HR about me.   Later on, I spoke with my supervisor, and the aide was in the wrong.  

However, how do others of you handle disrespectful interactions such as this? 

Holy crap the size of the lady nuts on that one. Who does that?! If you're not using the computer for work-related tasks, you move. Especially if you're sitting at the freaking manager's desk. This is also why I would never be a good staff manager. It would be very hard to resist using squirt-bottle retraining methods here. Squirting the dog is so effective when he's not where he should be. ?

[anewsns]

Trish is right! I probably would have said something like - “I don’t appreciate being spoken to like that. You know your job description and you need to go do it. I will report this and all future attitude problems or laziness from you. Get back to work. “ when not if but WHEN they try to keep talking let it be known that this is a one way conversation. “ All these statements are being added to the report so it may be in your best interest to leave me alone.” Or “you weren’t invited to reply.” 
 

I’ve done this in a few rare instances and documented the behavior thoroughly and it gets the job done. Management cannot ignore the stuff you put in writing. Attitudes improve  real quick with me. Usually , this is not an acceptable way to communicate with people but if the behavior is that ridiculous the person typically doesn’t respond well to normal communication. This is a strike 1 and you’re out situation, no second chances when it’s that bad. Nip. It. In. The. Bud.  

[Davey Do]

On 4/20/2021 at 4:05 PM, HarleyvQuinn said:

Holy crap the size of the lady nuts on that one.