The personal problems of employees can affect moods and work performance. Some people battling with personal issues can’t face being at the office because it is hard for them to concentrate. Every other day they’re absent without notice.
As an employer, it’s your job to keep employees motivated and enthusiastic about their work. When an employee is dealing with personal problems, use tactics to help them relax, remembering that it isn’t a time to get chummy – you are there as a boss. Things can get awkward if you overstep the boundary.
As an employer, however, you may even be able to play a counseling role if you are fortunate to be gifted with a warm, caring personality.
Here are some valuable tips that one can use to help an employee better process their personal issues.
1. Listen with a sympathetic ear
Offering kind words of sympathy and encouragement as well as an offer to be there for them as they tackle their issues can bring a sense of relief and calm.
We have two ears and one mouth for a simple purpose – to speak less and listen more. Be still and pay attention to what your employee is saying. Often just allowing the employee to talk about the problems they are facing is enough to get a load off their shoulders. Being able to ‘unload’ can be deeply restorative.
2. Advise your employee on available resources
If your employee has a loved one battling with mobility issues, a good approach can be to suggest professional help. Certainly, if you have had a similar problem, you can tell your own personal story and how your problem was overcome with the resources you’re suggesting.
Scooters ‘N Chairs provides the perfect help to those looking for mobility solutions. You can find here top-quality electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters that can be shipped to your door.
They also provide related accessories that can provide anyone with mobility issues the opportunity to once again enjoy getting around and regaining their independence.
3. Workload balancing
Adding to the employee’s woes is their workload. It’s hard to think clearly when you’re stressed. An employee can’t concentrate because of their problems and they feel overwhelmed with work piling up and looming deadlines. They may also be resented by colleagues for bringing their personal issues to the office and not pulling their weight.
By removing some of the work from the employee and explaining the situation to the other employees in private, pressure and feelings of guilt can be removed from an employee whose thoughts are elsewhere.
4. Time off
Employees dealing with a crisis need some time off to work through the crisis hanging over their heads. With a crisis at home, suddenly, life seems frantic and fraught with panic. Taking a day off here and leaving early on another day can be a godsend for the employee as they can be with their family in their hour of need. Time off allows them to plan and to sort through things.
It can be refreshing for the employee to know that during their absence, their work is being processed by somebody else.
5. Check-in
There is no need to visit the employee at home or in hospital, but a telephone call, an email, or WhatsApp is a thoughtful gesture that will make your employee feel appreciated and supported.
Just knowing a supervisor or boss cares is an emotional boost. When the employee is back, the goodwill can continue by stopping by their desk. The comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee certainly carries soothing powers. Offer to get your employee a cup of coffee and get an update on how things are going.