We all have worked with someone at one time or another that loves to take the slow route to everything. Sometimes it is due to laziness, and sometimes it is just a goof off mentality. Regardless of why a worker might be slow to get work done, what matters is how to get production from them. There are some tried and true management methods to getting great work out of these slow pokes, and increase production in your workplace.
The biggest key to dealing with a slow worker is to find out why they are slow. If you understand what you are dealing with, then you are much better equipped to fix the problem. Find out if they are lazy, uninformed, or just a goof off. Whichever they are, zero in on that behavior and pay attention. Lazy people can not stand to be paid attention to. They like to blend in and not be noticed. Step one is to notice them and pay lots of training attention to them.
Another fantastic method for these types of employees is to have them work with your best employee. If your best employee is working as their teammate, it will force the lazy worker to get moving or look bad. This method is a great way to “out” a lazy employee without having the conflict.
Implement a very specific method of time management for the goof off. Have them on a set production schedule with tangible goals that must be met. Sometimes this means quotas, and other methods of motivation. Whatever it takes to keep them moving is free game here.
Make sure the goof off is not actually just overwhelmed with a job he or she cannot do. If a person is hesitant to say when they are overwhelmed, then they often appear as though they are goofing off. Truth is, they may just be lost and need clarification or a new assignment that meets their capabilities.
Do not hesitate to discipline a goof off if it is perfectly clear that this is what they are doing. This can cause problems across the entire work force. Communicate clear boundaries, and make sure they understand that a certain amount of performance is mandatory. Sometimes you have to cut off the thumb to save the whole hand. Do not allow a goof off to get away with it or to infect the rest of the workforce. You will then have a number of other problems to deal with.
Slow workers and goof offs can literally bring a business to it’s knees. Do not allow this to happen on your watch. Assess, monitor and discipline this behavior. If none of the above tips have an effect on the goof off, then it is important that you document all attempts. This will be your back up when it comes time to terminate their employment.
