Over the course of your career, you will most likely come across an
employee who is going through a hard time. Or you may find that you are
in a difficult situation yourself. When someone loses a loved one, is
going through marital struggles, or dealing with substance abuse, life
must go on. The world doesn’t stop, even though it may feel like it
does. So, how does one deal with an emotional situation while they are
working? And how does an employer support a troubled employee?
Not many people know about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
This a shame, as it can be a great support system for a troubled
employee. Most health insurance companies provide this service to their
employees. In fact, according to the Society for Human Resource
Management’s (SHRM) 2014 Employee Benefits report, 74.0% of businesses
currently offer EAPs. The program is intended to assist employees who
are dealing with personal problems that may adversely affect their
performance at work and their wellbeing.
Here are some aspects of an EAP that are a benefit to both the employer and employee:
- Undoubtedly, your company has invested time and money in hiring your
employee. Arranging a replacement is expensive and time-consuming.
(Unless you partner with a staffing agency, of course!) An EAP will
allow the employee to deal with their situation while they are still
working.
- Often short-term counseling is cheaper for the employee than receiving therapy through their medical plan.
- The employee does not have to take an extended leave, which can cause work to pile up and lead to additional angst.
- Supporting employees in this way is likely to boost your employer
brand, as you will be seen as a company who truly cares about their
employees’ health and happiness.
Follow Up Support:
- Show your sympathy as a team. Depending on the situation and the
employee’s wishes, the office should get together to send flowers, a
card, or whatever they feel is suitable.
- Check with the troubled employee and see if there is any way you can
arrange for some practical assistance, such as taking care of their
pet, preparing meals, or the like. Small gestures often go a long way.
- Try to be cooperative at the office. Make accommodations for the
employee whether it be working from home, working shorter hours, or
temporary delegating some of their responsibilities.
If the troubled employee’s situation is affecting their work
performance for too long it is important to discuss other support
options. It can vary greatly how long it takes someone to work through
an issue or get over a loss. If it becomes a long-term problem, it is
appropriate to suggest additional counseling or see a therapist. Most
importantly, check in with this employee on a regular basis to monitor
how they are doing. Make sure they are aware of the company’s policies
and know that they are not alone in their suffering.
Click here if you are
looking for further information regarding Florida EAPs. For more advice
regarding best practices in the workplace or to learn more about our
staffing services, please visit our website. Our expert recruiters are always willing to discuss HR policies and tips with you.