Need advice regarding workplace trouble

[BadLuck2023]

Hi all. I cover for my boss when she is away and last week she was away on holiday.

All has been fine for the first couple days, however on the last day one of my team refused to finish her job and said she's going home early because she worked hard this week.

We had a deadline on the project she was working on and it's put us behind. I have passed on what's happened to my boss and she's going to have a chat with this team member hen she gets back next Wednesday.

After she has this discussion, I'm expecting some backlash. How to handle please?

Why are you expecting backlash? You need to give more context,

Either say she put you in a very difficult position by taking advantage when you were in charge and meant you had to explain why the project is behind to your boss, so you should be cross with her not vice versa.
Or ask what she would have done in your shoes? Lied on your behalf? Not report the facts of what happened? Taken responsibility even though it's not her fault?

What do you mean by backlash?

I'm expecting this team member to be angry I didn't cover for her because we are (were) quite friendly, kids go to the same school so would carpool

I hope you get paid extra for covering for the boss?!

Either way, if your colleague had any respect for you, she wouldn't have put you in that position.

She decided to go home early so that's on her, not you and your boss should back you on that.

Boss is backing me. I'm just concerned she's going to have a go at me for "snitching"

Sorry but she is being paid to work. You were her manager at that time and she shit on you. If she does say anything...just tell her that. She shit on you and the rest of her colleagues. If I was her manager I would be taking her down the formal disciplinary route given she left early knowing important work was outstanding

What: you’re not 12.

Yes I know but she can be quite bitchy

Unfortunately, this is work and it's not personal- you're not a snitch. I do understand that it's hard when you know someone personally, and it is very likely to make things uncomfortable. In your shoes though, I'd have been honest with my boss as well.

Well, did she work harder? Was she staying late earlier in the week and not getting overtime? Sacrificing other family things? It's give and take with work.

If she has a go you should say ‘I see you are annoyed but I need you to behave professionally. Can you speak to me in a calm and polite way in future please.’ Or something similar.

No she was not. She was taking the piss because the actual boss was away

What does, ‘worked hard all week mean?’ I’m thinking, she knew the cat was away and the mice will play, so took the piss. Not fair on you.

She did her job, with my help but yes for the most part took the piss. She's got some issues with her family outside of work so I have been trying to lighten her load at work, but she completely shat on me and put me in a very difficult position