Human Resource Blog

constant complainers

We have one or two people at work who constantly complain about their work, their co-workers, and just about everything. they are the type of people, that no matter what they are given, they will still find something to complain about. They are as sweet as pie in front of me. Other employees have complained that they are always bringing the morale down. How do I address this when I have not actually witnessed any specific comments?

This problem is very common in business, and the solution is simple. You have the right to address behavior that you have not witnessed. Supervisors have many sources of information, and do not have to divulge what they are.

Simply have a coaching session with each of these employees separately, behind closed doors. Let them know that while you have not witnessed this griping yourself, you have learned about it from various sources. (You are under absolutely no obligation to reveal who those sources are, and we would recommend that you do not.) Remind the employees that when someone is regularly griping, it lowers employee morale and makes work unpleasant. Let them know that you would hate to think they are so unhappy here, but if they are, they should look for another job. Otherwise, they should be the same sunny person when you are not present, that they are when you are in the room.

If the employee has a real grievance, you should address it once and for all. Then let the employee know the matter is closed and will not be discussed again — with you or coworkers.

We will say that constant complainers rarely see themselves that way. Griping is so normal, they think they are communicating in an ordinary, positive way. There are many people who have complaining so firmly ingrained in their personality, that they are completely unable to refrain for any long period of time. Therefore, if the griping does not stop, you should terminate these employees.