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ASK
OUR EXPERTS...
How do we deal with an employee coping with a personal crises
(illness, death, injury) where their world seems to be turned upside down
and it is impacting their performance?
By Sara Lee of S. Lee H.R. Consulting Inc.
It’s easy...with patience, tolerance, understanding, accommodation
and respect. It’s a tall order, but isn’t it our “humane” responsibility?
Crises are different for each person. It is unavoidable and we can help each
other through it.
We are not talking about “looking for the silver lining”; rather, we need to
help reduce their stress by not creating more of it in the workplace. Offer
flexible or reduced hours, unpaid or better yet, paid leaves of absence.
Know about your benefits and programs that are available to people in need.
Tell them about it - don’t wait for them to ask.
Today, everyone is talking about workplace loyalty and employee retention.
This is your opportunity to demonstrate your company mantra: “We care about
our employees.” Treating people with dignity, respect and compassion will
reward organizations exponentially. How? Word of mouth! Wouldn’t you want to
continue to work for a company that goes all out to help an employee?
Morale, retention, attraction, profit, quality, efficiency and loyalty will
be fostered. It is not a magic pill - it’s human nature. We surround
ourselves with what makes us feel good.
Rather than focusing on what a strain it is to the company to have someone
working less or not at all, concentrate on how you can have a positive
impact on the lives of these people. This is a great legacy. It can be
inconvenient but it is also the most rewarding experience for you and your
organization.
Employees do not intentionally abuse or take advantage of you during a
crisis. They are not thinking, period. They are merely trying to survive and
figure out what to do next. Their worlds have been turned upside down.
Questions riddle them like:
- What do I do about work? I am going to get fired!
- How can I concentrate on work with what is going on in my personal life
being so overwhelming?
- How do we pay the bills?
- I have to get the kids to school, soccer, etc. How?
- How am I going to help my aging parents?
Help people. Don’t hinder them. It is as simple as five words: 1) patience;
2) tolerance; 3)understanding; 4) accommodation; and 5) respect!
For more practical advice on conflict resolution, contact Sara Lee of S. Lee H.R. Consulting at
403.870.5253
www.leeconsulting.ca
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