Jennifer Newman: How to deal with workplace slackers while the boss is away

The summertime often means a shift in workplace personnel due to the high number of employees taking their vacation. But how does the dynamic of the workplace change when it's the boss who is away from the office?

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Workplace psychologist Dr. Jennifer Newman sat down to speak with Rick Cluff, host of the Early Edition on CBC Radio One about the often tricky situation of working when the boss it out.
What typically happens at a worksite when the boss is away?

It depends upon the type of boss you have. Micromanagers tend to elicit workers who come to a stand still until they return which can mean nothing progresses while the boss is away.

Disorganized bosses tend to return to find projects in disarray with everyone doing their own thing.

Bullying bosses have workers who are relieved they are gone and wish they'd stay away.

And finally, good bosses tend to get a business as usual response.

What if employees slack off and take advantage of their employer?

In that case the slacker's co-workers are probably upset by it. They'll feel angry that a supervisor is having the wool pulled over his or her eyes.

Other times, they'll resent the fact that they're working and someone else isn't doing their share, and many times staff will make the boss aware of what's going on.

Oftentimes it's apparent because everyone else is getting things done while the boss is away except the slacker.

What should workers do it they are bothered by a slacker?

Firstly is to figure out what's going on. Is this something that's happened before or is the employee usually fine in the boss's absence?

If it is a problem when the boss is away, talk to your colleague, but be sure to be practical and not personal.

If there's a reason they act out when the boss is away, try to figure out how to help your colleague in the boss's absence.

It's also important to talk about the effect not lending a hand has on the job and on your co-worker's reputation.

If they don't care, let it go and get on with your job. When the manager comes back, he or she will notice the poor performer.

What if everyone is breathing a sigh of relief?

Bullying managers, micromanaging supervisors and interrupting bosses can get this reaction. If your boss engages in abusive supervision, his or her vacation can give workers a break.

Watch out for enjoying the atmosphere and not thinking about how to improve your situation because tensions will re-occur. If you work for a micromanager who has gone on vacation, you may have to deal with them checking-in.

If that starts to try your patience, send mini-progress reports. That might help them relax.

What if employees don't even notice the boss is gone?

If the boss works virtually, this can happen because employees are accustomed to doing things on their own. Bosses tend to find out if the culture they've built can sustain their absence.

It's a good test because if they pass, it usually means they've selected and cultivated a team that is motivated, responsible and who measure themselves with high productivity instead of face time.

It's a credit to the team and the boss, if things run well whether the boss is on-site or not.

To hear the full interview, click the audio labelled: How to keep the workplace working without the authority figure around.