I had to deal with a similar situation and unfortunately it came down to me leaving my job. I was the new person, while the other admin had been there for 17 years. She had a lot of health problems and she had also used the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" policy for years. I ended up taking on a lot of her work because she was gone much of the time, and once I began getting recognition she began to resent it. She told many lies about the work I was doing (even though I provided proof to the contrary) and she eventually wore down management enough that they took away most of my responsibilities. I left, and I am really glad now that I did because I am in a much better work environment, no competition and better pay.

When my boss is away (as he currently is), I feel a responsibility to do more than I would if he were here.
Many employees do not feel the same.
I have, in the past had a closed door meeting with him about individuals that CONSTANTLY abuse unsupervised time. If she only did it every now and again, then I would just keep my mouth shut. However, this sounds like a constant habit.
Tell your boss you are hesitant to talk because of potential backlash. Then you have to do what is right and tell him what you have witnessed. Remember, leaving early or not doing work while you are being paid to work, is no different from steeling. The company has to be competitive and must get the most from everyone working there in order to compete in today's economy. In addition, you are irritated when this is happening and therefore are not as productive as you would be otherwise.

I don't think Jamie is "watching" her co-worker. We're talking about a small office where they share one phone. I would think that it would be very disruptive if someone is chatting away most of the day, and upsetting if she can't take/make her business calls because of this. Also if the other person isn't there to do her job during the established work hours, who do you think is picking up the slack? If work is getting done around the office then Jamie should focus more on her work, taking on more to make herself more valuable to her boss, and making sure that the boss is aware of her contributions. Focus on being the star of the office. HOWEVER, perhaps a discussion with the co-worker about tying up the phone for non-business calls is probably not a good idea, and/or talk to the boss about getting another phone in the office (she'll probably ask why).

This is certainly a tricky judgement call on your part: Are you absolutely certain that this employee is not doing company errands which make her late/how long has this employee been working for the boss/does he or she think very highly of her/how new are you to the organization...etc. All things to be considered before taking the bold step of "informant." However, I agree with Chelle that your co-worker is stealing money from the company by stealing time; therefore, it is the obligation of each employee to report it. I would hope that any reasonable supervisor would appreciate this input and note that you have no personal vendetta against this person, but you know the situation best. (Consider the fact that the boss may not know there is time wasted and may conclude the office doesn't need a second person - you!) Use your good judgement and do what you think you'd want to have done if this was your money that the employee was wasting!

Unless your co-worker is neglecting her duties, which you have not mentioned, obviously this is not an issue with your boss. Also, unless you are put in charge and become your co-worker's boss, I would recommend you continue to do your job, keep wasting time worrying about your co-worker and just let your co-worker hang herself.

As ANON stated, continue to do YOUR job, and let your coworker hang herself.

I agree that you should find a way to make a comment, but you have to be prepared that nothing will change. We have a situation where I work that one of the admin is not doing her work and she is not putting in her time this has been brought to the attention of her managers manager and HR and at this point looks as if nothing is being done about it. Infact, after I brought it up it was my timesheet that began to be questioned not the person who is cronically stealing time.

Unfortunately, it is true there is a good chance that nothing will change. I've experienced this first hand with a sherking coworker. I discreetly brought everything to our bosses attention (ironically enough, the HR director) and nothing was done (and still occurs to this day). As much as we may not know our coworkers complete list of duties, it still grates to witness other employees abusing the system and getting away with it. But who said life was fair?!!

Coming from the prospective of a supervisor of several admin staff, I would want someone to tell me of a situation like this. I've learned that just because someone is venting to me, doesn't mean I have to do what they think I should do, but it helps them to vent. Other times they bring to light problems I'm not aware of because I don't work one-on-one with my admin staff - they all support other people. How can I correct a problem if I don't know about it? People will go weeks or months without telling me something that's irritating the heck out of them, when I could have done something about it much earlier had I only known. Sometimes I know about the issue, but I have a different perspective on it and reasons why I handle the issue the way I do. I try to explain my perspective but I also make it clear that it's my decision how I handle things with the admin staff. There are times when the issue is really between the two admin and they have to figure it out, but this sounds like more than just a personality conflict, so bringing the boss into the issue makes sense.

With 40+ years of working experience, I have come to realize that there will always be people like this. In the early years I wouldn't hesitate to explain the situation to the boss. However, time after time, there was no apparent changes. After many years, I stopped wasting my time. My rule of thumb, if it really affects your ability to get your work done, then take action. First step, approach the offending worker, explain how his/her behavior affects you, and ask them to stop. Then if this doesn't work, speak to you boss. Make it clear how this affects your ability to get your work done and be ready with a solution. Just remember, this may not help either. I have found that many supervisors, managers and even directors don't like confrontation. Your complaint may just sit without any action taken. Additionally, there are many upline "professionals" that are influenced by a person's looks, personality, and likability and allow those qualities influence how they evaluate that employee's performance. This may be a situation you will have to live with. Changing jobs may be the only solution to get away from this particular problem, but before you do carefully evaluate all the pros and cons of changing employers and remember there is at least "one in every crowd".

Maybe you could start with just asking your boss what you should do is you were late every once in awhile, if she instructs you to call her or seems like it would be a problem then I would inform her that your co-worker is late at times. If she says she doesn't mind then I would stop caring. Honestly if she really wanted the 2 of you to always be on your game and be appropriate at all time she should really drop in more often, it is her responsibility to oversee you and it doesn't sound like she is. Maybe you could suggest that she stop in unannounced from time to time because you feel it would improve production from your location. Since there is only 2 of you she may get the hint that your other half needs some manager attention that she is not getting.

I agree with Nancy. While it may be difficult to see people supposedly getting away with something, in the end - they don't. Even if the boss never catches her, Karma works in mysterious ways. Don't waste YOUR valuable time worrying about her and her actions. Continue doing a great job and put yourself over the top with your own accomplishments. Eventually your co-worker will be found out.

I think the key question is whether or not her behavior impacts your job performance. Do you have to work harder? Do you have to cover or do some of her work? If so then I think you should speak directly with her first in a firm but friendly way and see if anything changes. I would definitely address the phone issue either way. If it doesn't impact you though, I would say take the attitude that it is none of your business. These people eventually have a way of hanging themselves when given enough rope and if she is getting her job done, maybe she is a faster worker. Maybe she needs more work.

Since you have talked to her and she is not receptive to it, I would go to the boss. Or implement the suggestion from one of the posters about asking the boss to drop by unannounced. You shouldn't have to suffer or be forced to look for a different job because of someone else's lack of work ethic. Good luck!

It happens everywhere; we had that issue here and while my boss was responsive to me they did nothing - instead that person got another position within the organization and then accused me of degrading her... trust me you are better off saying nothing. Personally I would go to the boss - say it once and if nothing gets done at least you know you made your point. But dont continue to go and complain, that makes it look bad for you. I am not sure how big/small your office is but if you have a HR group go to them, and tell them that confidentally you would like this suitation resolved. They will have to take action - of course you could get the answer I got - You dont know what arrangement the boss has with this co-worker but thanks for letting us know it is affecting you and I will speak with both of them..... I am just happy that she has moved offices along with her possy of friends. People change at the drop of a dime, personally I have learned to never recommend people for jobs; keep personal lives out of the office; keep desk organzed and no personal belongs cause one day it could turn on you and you are asked to leave.

Jamie, do your job; keep your head down and mind your ps and qs... approach HR and your boss ONCE - you have said your part you have told them what is going on - it is now up to them to either do something or not... Dont let this behavouir ruin your life - afterall the job is there to pay for your life not your life being there for the job.... start being more positive and let her hang herself... trust me it will happen; and in the long run you have made the boss aware of the situation and it is up to her to do something.