Dear Jane,
I’m a new employee at my company, and I’m feeling really overwhelmed. My coworker, let’s call her Mary, keeps sending me emails asking about the status of my projects. She’s always asking when things will be done, and she’s starting to make me feel like I’m not doing my job well enough. I’ve tried to set boundaries with her, but she doesn’t seem to get the message. I’m starting to dread coming to work because I know I’m going to have to deal with her constant emails.
What can I do?
Sincerely,
Overwhelmed in the Office
Dear Overwhelmed,
I hear you. It can be really stressful to have a coworker who is constantly asking about the status of your projects. It can feel like they’re micromanaging you, and it can be hard to set boundaries.
Here are a few things you can do:
- First, try to have a conversation with Mary. Explain to her that you’re feeling overwhelmed by her emails, and that you need her to give you some space to work. Let her know that you’ll keep her updated on the status of your projects, but that you don’t need her to check in with you every day.
- If that doesn’t work, try setting some boundaries with her. For example, you could tell her that you’ll only check your email once a day, or that you’ll only respond to her emails after 5pm.
- If she still doesn’t get the message, you may need to escalate the issue to your manager. Your manager can talk to Mary about her behavior, and help you to set some clear expectations.
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this. Many people have experienced similar situations. The key is to be assertive and set some boundaries. If Mary can’t respect your boundaries, then you may need to escalate the issue to your manager.
I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Bonus Advice:
- Keep a record of Mary’s emails. This will help you to document her behavior if you need to escalate the issue to your manager.
- Be professional in your interactions with Mary. Even if you’re feeling frustrated, it’s important to stay calm and professional.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your manager or HR department. They can provide you with support and guidance.