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Some coworkers can be too possessive about their work responsibilities.

In this story, an employee noticed a package sitting in the receiving area for a few days.

She thought about helping her coworker, so she took care of the package.

But she later learned that her coworker, who was supposed to handle the package, got upset and wouldn’t speak to her.

Uh oh! Looks like someone got in trouble for trying to help. Let’s take a closer look!

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.

This employee found out that it was her coworker’s job.

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.

She thinks she might have overstepped her coworker’s responsibilities.

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?

I don’t think OP did anything wrong, especially since she asked the manager before taking care of the package.

If her coworker was totally upset with it, she could have talked to OP and asked her not to do it again.

Honestly, this sounds like a petty office issue that should blow up into a huge workplace drama.

Do you agree? Let’s see how others reacted to this story.

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Short and sensible.

This user shares their honest opinion.

She’s being very unprofessional, says this one.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about an employee who cleverly shuts down customer arguments about closing time.

Here’s a valid point.

Finally, this one makes sense, too.

Sometimes, helping out at work can create more tension than expected.

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Author

Heide Lazaro

Heide Lazaro is a veteran human-interest writer and digital culture expert with over a decade of experience in editorial strategy. Specializing in lifestyle, social dynamics, and the internet's most compelling stories, Heide has authored and published more than 10 books online. Beyond her daily reporting, she is a dedicated motivational speaker who helps audiences connect through the power of storytelling. When she isn't sifting through the web's wildest real-life drama, Heide is an avid runner, painter, and novel-enthusiast fueled by a truly excellent cup of coffee.