Dealing with a Seemingly Overly Busy Colleague in Remote Work
Published:Dec 27, 2025 08:13
•1 min read
•r/datascience
Analysis
This post from r/datascience highlights a common frustration in remote work environments: dealing with colleagues who appear excessively busy. The poster, a data scientist, describes a product manager colleague whose constant meetings and delayed responses hinder collaboration. The core issue revolves around differing work styles and perceptions of productivity. The product manager's behavior, including dismissive comments and potential attempts to undermine the data scientist, creates a hostile work environment. The post seeks advice on navigating this challenging interpersonal dynamic and protecting the data scientist's job security. It raises questions about effective communication, managing perceptions, and addressing potential workplace conflict.
Key Takeaways
- •Address the conflict directly but professionally, focusing on the impact on collaboration.
- •Document instances of the colleague's behavior and its effect on your work.
- •Seek advice from HR or a mentor on navigating the situation and protecting your job.
Reference
“"You are not working at all" because I'm managing my time in a more flexible way.”