Work related vent (v. long)

mandapanda78

This is my week at the office to cover the phones/reception desk for the lunch shift or if the regular receptionist is out or needs to step away for a moment.  Our receptionist is a very nice guy, but he's perpetually late and calls in sick all the damn time. He was 1/2 hour late on Wednesday, took an extra half hour for lunch on Tuesday and then today I was notified that he wouldn't be in until 11:00. I had to take my laptop to the front desk all morning to try to get things done and answer the phones at the same time. I only have three more work days (including today) before I leave for the wedding, so I'm a tad swamped.When he finally came in- looking rumpled and hungover as usual- he was very apologetic but I really don't care. Then, I get this email:"I really appreciate you coming up and doing the phones this morning.  I hade a heavy conscience this morning once Kerry said you had a lot of work going on before your wedding.  Just know that I’m not hungover or sick or was lazy this morning, last night was a family emergency in every sense of the phrase.  So, again, thank you so much.  After we get paid next week (b/c im so broke now haha) I’d like to treat you to a coffee or something…..you ok with that?" At this time I have no response. I just want to tell him to shove it. What would you say?

mandapanda78

ohandplusalso- even though I was told he'd be in at 11:00 today he didn't actually show up until noon.

salt78

Shockingly enough, I'd probably be nice to him and give him the benefit of the doubt.

calle28

Thanks, but's it's ok. Hope everything with your family is ok. I'm a softy though.

ac_in_dc

"It *was* a little bit tough to cover for you yesterday, but I understand that these things happen and appreciate the coffee offer...unfortunately I'm swamped with wedding & work obligations these day. I hope that things get better for your family. "that's what I'd say at least.

atobias1

Ditto salt. I know you are stressed but he seems to feel bad. If your angry don't say anything at all.

mandapanda78

I'm seeing red at the moment, but in the end I'll probably say "Gosh! I hope everything's ok!" and then just be glad when I'm not the one on duty next time he pulls this crap. Seriously he's out so much that when one of the reps walked in and saw me at the desk he didn't even ask- just shook his head and said "That dude is gonna get fired."

tidetravel

This dude cries wolf much too often for me to be sympathetic to him, but I would try. At the very least, he acknowledged that he was burdening you and he apologized.  Although, I would have been tempted to reply  "how many family emergencies have you had this week."

Nebb

I dont know if its overstepping any boundaries but what if you brought up to him that his absences are noticed by everyone and its only going to hurt him in the end, on a friendly conversation level.

Nik1202

I have the same problem (kinda) but my co-workers see it and say how much better an employee it makes me look when I'm constantly doing more work and picking up the slack for my "counter-part" Makes it nice when raise time comes around and gives me the freedom to not be under a microscope when I'm so damn good at my job -haha- Everything works out in the end...everything.

mandapanda78

That's not a bad idea, Nebb. I normally feel much more warmly toward him than I do at the moment. I think after I cool down a bit I'll make a friendly remark.

FutureMrsTR

If you hadn't said "he" I would have been walking around my office looking for you because we have the SAME receptionist here and I have the same covering duties every couple of weeks and she is out soooo much. She has exhausted her sick/vacation time and just takes days without pay now because she doesn't really need the money. I don't get the "in every sense of the phrase". I do believe there is only one sense of family emergency. An emergent situation involving your family.

Sooles

ugh. i constantly get screwed over by a coworker who is either late or away for "family emergencies" at least once a week. she lives alone so it really makes me wonder.