How to Deal with Lazy Coworkers

Dear Selfless Esteem,
Why do I get so mad when I see my co-workers slacking off? I feel like I work twice as hard as they do, yet I don’t make as much as they do. They never get in trouble for not doing their job. And I never get any praise for doing more than I need to do. I know it’s not my place to “straighten them out” but how do I manage these strong feelings of anger and resentment towards them?
Signed,
Not a Slacker

Dear Not a Slacker,

What a frustrating position you are in! 😠 The unfairness understandably causes anger and resentment. Here are the main points I gathered from your letter:

• You see your coworkers slacking off.
• They make more money than you even though you are working twice as hard.
• They never get in trouble for their laziness.
• You never get any praise for going above and beyond your job duties.
• You want to know how to manage your feelings of anger and resentment.

Let’s dive into each one of these statements.

Lazy Coworkers

You see your coworkers slacking off. This is so aggravating because you can’t change other people’s behavior. However, you can change your own behavior.

Let’s break down your statement into two parts: “You see” & “your coworkers slacking off.” You cannot change the slacking off, but you can change what you see.

In other words, you have the power to shift your focus. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, emphasis mine).

Focusing on Jesus and what Jesus has done will inspire you to do your job in spite of slackers. For more details on the process of focusing on God, see “Why Selfless Esteem Is Better Than Self-Esteem” “The Real Truth About God,” and “How To Pray in 5 Simple Steps.”

Coworker Makes More Money

They make more money than you even though you are working twice as hard. That is so unfair. But let’s focus on God again.

God is your provider (Philippians 4:19), not your employer. Likewise, you are working for God out of the goodness and sincerity of your heart (Colossians 3:22). “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23).

A reward from God is infinitely better than anything a person can give (1 Corinthians 2:9). In the meantime, try to be patient and content with what you have (Philippians 4:11-13). God’s reward will be worth the wait.

No Justice

They never get in trouble for their laziness. Sadly, that will come to an end; they will reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7), if not in their professional life, then in their personal life. Keep your focus on God, who will judge everyone according to their works, including those done in secret (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

The Boss Doesn’t Acknowledge Good Work

You never get any praise for going above and beyond your job duties. Pray to God about the situation and trust that He will exalt you in His timing. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

One day, you will get accolades from God, who will rejoice in your diligence (Matthew 25:21). Thus, do not “grow weary while doing good” (Galatians 6:9).

How to Manage Anger and Resentment

You want to know how to manage your feelings of anger and resentment. The following are some suggestions:

• Find a competent therapist to have a healthy outlet for your feelings. See the posts, “What is Wise Counsel and Good Therapy?” and “Why You Need a Therapist ASAP.”
• Exercise to release the energy of anger. (Consult with your physician first.)
• See if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program, which offers confidential counseling sessions.
• Change your thoughts in order to change your feelings; think positively. (See Philippians 4:8.)
• Have an attitude of gratitude. You will become more “tender-hearted” and forgiving of others when you are continuously thankful of how God has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).

Revelation 14:13 says that one day you will rest from your labors and your works will follow you. God sees all your effort (Proverbs 5:21) so keep up the good work. 👍

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version®. Copyright © 1984 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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