How to handle a lazy coworker—who’s also your friend

We spend so much time at work, it’s natural that we strike up friendships with colleagues. It’s common, and research shows it’s even good for your career and happiness.

But what happens when your office pal’s performance drags the team down, causes inefficiencies, or more work for you? How do you bring it up . . . and should you? It’s a tricky needle to thread, but experts provide tips for fielding these potentially awkward conversations with your office ride-or-die.

The complex friendship dynamic

When a colleague feels more like a friend, it can make a discussion about their “laziness” more difficult, says Leanna Stockard, a licensed therapist with LifeStance Health, one of the country’s biggest mental healthcare providers.

“Given the amount of time we spend in our workplace, the line