Q: We have a fairly new co-worker who is a hypochondriac. If all she did was complain, we could ignore her, but it wouldn't anger us in the long run. Instead of just complaining, she uses her weekly "illnesses" to get out of doing work. Last week she had a so-called migraine headache, so she couldn't help us sort documents. She also wouldn't go home sick. I happen to know that migraines are a serious problem that can stop a person from functioning — light, sound and movement cripple the person until the headache resolves itself. Our co-worker does not suffer from real migraines. The week before that, she said she had food poisoning from the weekend and moving around bothered her. This got her out of standing at the copier doing a very big copying job. Her list of self-diagnosed illnesses seems endless and we are tired of it. Our boss treats us like responsible adults and lets us do our work independently. We would like it to remain that way. Until now, we have been taking up the additional work for this woman, but after a major discussion amongst ourselves, we decided to stop. How should we approach our boss?

A: Write a detailed memo from your group regarding this co-worker's feigned illnesses. Bullet-point every illness, the dates occurred, and the projects this employee has excused herself from doing. Hypochondriasis is a mental disorder in which the person has excessive fear of having a serious disease. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Hypochondriasis affects 1 percent to 5 percent of the general population, men and woman equally. It seems more likely this co-worker is manipulative, and perhaps a pathological liar. The point is that her employment is creating a problem for your department and your boss needs to be made aware of it. Once you report her actions, it will be up to your boss and the human resource department to determine what to do with her.

Employee Wins Hearing for Unjust Firing, Now Must Deal With References

Q: I was unjustly fired, and I won my appeal for unemployment. I am not presently working, but am interviewing for several promising positions. Apart from the job I was fired from, my work references are excellent. How do I check to see how my most recent employer will respond to reference requests?

A: Speak to the director of human resources about the company's policy on giving references. Most companies are aware of the potential lawsuits involved in badmouthing a former employee. Companies are allowed to state facts, but discharging an employee usually involves subjective decision-making. Because of the many lawsuits, knowledgeable companies allow their human resources departments to give employment dates and job titles. Many will not even release salary information. If you think your boss tends to ignore policy, bring it to the attention of the HR department. The last thing the company needs is the liability of an employee with loose lips.

If the company is not run professionally, have a sophisticated-sounding friend pose as a business owner who calls for a reference on you. If the response is not appropriate, you will need to call a lawyer with employment law experience.

Please send your questions to: Lindsey Novak, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd. Suite 700, Los Angeles, Calif. 90045. E-mail her at [email protected], or visit her Web site at www.lindseynovak.com. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.