Sick leave abuse comes to a head

DEAR ABBY: My co-worker takes advantage of our employer’s generous sick leave policy and calls in sick frequently. She will return the next day with no outward sign of illness and has, on several occasions, returned with a fresh haircut and manicure. When she’s at work, she frequently steps away from her desk for personal calls.

I finally said something to our supervisor because I feel taken

Dear Abby advantage of. Having worked in

Written by this office for more than 10 years, I

Jeanne Phillips know the work inside and out, so I can do my work — and hers — with ease. I actually like my co-worker, but I feel she’s taking me for granted. Our supervisor had a talk with her, but it didn’t help. Would it be unreasonable for me to have a frank discussion with her directly? I foresee that it may cause a cool reception, but I’m losing patience. — CO-WORKER CONUNDRUM

DEAR CO-WORKER:

It’s not unreasonable to speak with this co-worker, but what have you gain? If it will cause a frostier work environment,

don’t do it. A better solution would be to stop doing her work for her. The consequences of slacking may give her an incentive to change.