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<< Back to FAQ/Fact list Q: We have an employee who has been with us for five years. She has been a very good employee, always dependable, good quality work, pleasant to be around, virtually no problems. In the last two months she has become irritable, complains about others, seems to be sick more, and recently missed an important deadline for the first time. We are concerned and are not sure how to handle the situation. A: Any time there is a dramatic change in an employee’s behavior it should send a warning signal to an employer. There could be a number of reasons for these changes in behavior: a significant change in the work or work environment which is upsetting the employee, a significant personal issue in their life, or possible signs of substance abuse. The challenge for an employer in this type of situation is how to balance concern and fact finding with the employee’s right to privacy. In this situation, the missed deadline opens a job related door to discuss the issues with the employee. Discuss the problems, keep it focused on the job, impact on their performance and co-workers, express concern and provide resources, such as a reminder about the Employee Assistance Plan. If the employee is reluctant to share information about the possible causes, do not press the issue. Again, provide the resources, let them know you are available if they wish to talk to you about the issue, and be sure they understand the impact on their job. If it continues and/or becomes more severe, work through the corrective action process. Keep in mind—if the employee shares confidential information, handle it appropriately to the situation and established policies. |