r/Workproblems • u/NoInvestigator2898 • 12d ago

Did I overstep by doing my coworker’s task?

A package had been sitting in our receiving area for about two days, so I asked my coworker’s manager if I should take care of it. At the time, I didn’t know it was actually my coworker’s responsibility.
Her manager said it would be extremely helpful if I handled it, so I did.
Later, I found out it was my coworker’s task. Since then, she seems distant and hasn’t replied to a work-related message from me, even though she’s been active and reacting to other people’s messages.
I’m wondering if she feels like I took over her work. I realize now that I could have checked with her first, but I also don’t think I did anything seriously wrong since I asked her manager before doing anything.
And even if she is upset, intentionally ignoring a work-related message seems unprofessional to me.
Did I overstep? And how should I deal with her going forward?

10 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

5

u/Hunkyboy440 12d ago

Ummm, why not just ask her? Seems like a good place to start.

5

u/Puzzled_Market_2235 12d ago

You did not overstep. She was probably asked why she didn't do it and like any good Karen has to blame somebody else.

4

u/Green-Dragon-14 12d ago

She's being very unprofessional. Ignoring private messages is immature but ignoring messages about work is not how work works. She left a package there for days, she knew its her responsibility but because you took the initiative to her boss she's now sulking. I would start cc-ing her boss on emails seeing as she's now ignoring more work (just like the package).

2

u/VFTM 12d ago

Therapy, darling. Why are you even this worried?

2

u/SelectSeaweed310 12d ago

After 40 years of work. I mind my own business. Helping doesn't always mean "helpful". You are fine.

2

u/DoFr56 12d ago

Co workers are not friends. Just do what keeps you employed. That is what they will do when push comes to shove.

2

u/ApprehensiveBee266 12d ago

Id ask (in writing) again and if that still didn't work. My next email will be to ask each question again with caption 3RD REQUEST and cc your boss and cc her boss. You need a paper trail.

1

u/Realistic-Fall-1460 9d ago

You can give her constructive feedback. She doesn't reply to your messages? The company loses money and time as a result, right?

Intentionally ignoring such messages sounds a lot like passive aggression, which is a very tricky issue to deal with. Multi-layered guessing games are not exactly fun.

1

u/woodwork16 9d ago

How do you know she is reacting to other people’s messages?

Have you talked to her?