HAVE YOU ever had a co-worker who you just could not get along with? Or conversely, have you felt that a co-worker does not like you? Unfortunately, this is the reality for many persons in the workplace today. Unless you are a manager, the average employee does not have control over who their co-workers are. This, coupled with the fact that the modern workplace is characterised by small cubicles with very little space between them, means that frequent confrontations and disagreements are a staple in the workplace.

If you have identified an issue with a co-worker, do not despair. There are several steps you can take in an attempt to solve the problem.

The first step is to try to speak to the offending co-worker about the issue at hand, in a calm and conciliatory manner. Be careful of coming across as accusatory and try not to make the situation worse.

The second step is to try using humour to diffuse a situation. A well-timed joke or comment can ease tensions immediately and bring attention to things without necessarily offending people.

The third and drastic step is to speak to your supervisor or the human resources department about the issue. Perhaps they can assist you in coming up with a long-term solution. Remember to be tactful in describing the particular situation with your co-worker.

If all else fails, you can try to ignore your co-worker's offending actions, or where possible, request a transfer to another branch or department.

If however, you find yourself struggling to win over your colleagues' affection, the following strategies can be employed in an effort to improve your standing with them:

Genuinely smile. People warm up to you faster and want to be around you more if you just put a (real) smile on your face.

Learn what your co-workers are interested in, then talk to them about it. We all love to speak to persons who we feel we can relate to, or who we have things in common with.

Do your job, and don't expect others to do it. The worst thing you can do is expect your co-workers to pick up the pieces after you. That will result in them disliking you, because it makes their job harder.

Keep a team spirit and look out for your co-workers. If you do, they will probably do the same for you.

Dealing with co-workers on the job can be tough and fraught with misunderstandings and miscommunication. However, if you are careful and strategic, you can resolve any issues amicably, without making things worse.

Kareen Cox is coordinator, career resources, Career Development Services Department (CDSD), HEART Trust/NTA.

The following are some of the possible reasons why there could be contention among employees:

Taking credit for your co-workers' contributions to a project.

Over-sharing your personal life with your co-workers.

Attacking your co-workers about their religious and political views.

Slacking off on the duties you were hired to carry out, forcing your co-workers to do your work for you.

Speaking in a consistently rude and condescending manner.

Refusing to work in a team.

Bad personal hygiene.

Consistently gossiping and spreading rumours about your co-workers.

Adopting an anti-social stance.

Relaying information about your co-workers to your boss or supervisor.

Kareen_Cox@heart-nta.org