How to manage problem employees

By G Shepard

John Wiley & Sons, 2005

$23.95

Written primarily for US employers and managers, How to manage problem employees casts the net pretty wide. Author Glenn Shepard says most of today’s generation is undisciplined and have no desire to grow or and accept responsibility. This is why there are so many gossips, backstabbers, hypochondriacs, emotional basket cases and rebels with authority problems in the workplace, Shepard claims.

Well, maybe in America. We suspect the reality in Australia is a little less extreme. Nonetheless, this book will tell readers how to set new hires up for success, structure compensation packages to maximise their involvement and work ethic, deal with problem areas before they become bad behaviour as well as motivate slow and disengaged employees.

It is certainly true that some workers have an entitlement mentality and the labour pool includes many who don’t really want a job, and just a pay cheque. There is a handy chapter on how to address problem employee traits such as breaking the chain of command, bringing personal problems to work, chronic complaining, whining and cyber loafing. Australian readers will find it all interesting and helpful, albeit America-centric.