I work in a MNC (Multi national company) in a populated city where having a car is necessary for transport purposes and daily commute.
Question
How can I tell/make aware a coworker (who is not in my team or department) about their parking skills?
I have been working for this company for over couple of years. Parking is free where I work - courtesy of my workplace. However there are limited spaces, almost as many spaces as number of vehicles. This co-worker of mine has terrible parking skills and uses 2 spaces everyday.
I have tried to illustrate the parking section where we are allowed to park.
My problem
My working hours are usually based on traffic and due to which I pop in late in mornings. Therefore most parking spaces are taken and only the slot next to my coworker's car is still free. However, because of their poor driving skills, there's not room enough for me to park (please see illustration below)
NB. this person is not disabled, I made sure of that.
I have to circle twice to find a space or else park in section where someone has to ask me to move my car in case they want to leave (in front of the building).
What I have tried so far
- I was having a light conversation with the receptionist downstairs once and I did mention to them about it, in case they can tell the car owner about it. I guess the receptionist wasn't aware of it as it's been a long time.
- This person does not park do reverse park - Once or twice I tried reverse parking so close to his car's tail, as close as I can, so that he would struggle to take his car out and ask me to move my car (as described below). I'd have used that opportunity to talk him through nicely - hoping he'd understand.
Unfortunately, his working hours seem to be longer than mine and I left early both times I tried this. Also this was a risky way, as there's a small chance of getting my car scratched.
What I thought of doing but didn't
Leave a note on the car. I have my reservations especially regarding this way: I personally find it rude to leave any note on any car. One might get aggressive and park in an even worse way.
Confront this person. We have shared places where all car registration numbers are shared amongst all employees. I know in which department this person works but never met him face to face. I do not usually get involved in such meters and I would want to use this as a last resort only.
How can I make aware my coworker that their way of parking prevents other people to use the slot next to theirs? I'd like to solve this issue in a non confrontational way.