GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A work environment and the people in it can be complex.
Diane Biersteker is the president of Human Resources Consulting in Green Bay. Over her 30 year career in HR, she tells FOX 11 she’s seen key signs of when an employee may need help.
“The types of things that I’ve seen during my career are usually changes. Whether it’s a change in their demeanor, they’re less outgoing, you can tell that they’re quiet or brooding a little bit more.”
You might see signs someone needs help based on their attendance.
“Someone who’s always been on time and working every day, rarely misses all of a sudden starts having a tardiness issue. So they’re oversleeping, which probably means there’s something that’s keeping them up at night.”
Biersteker says substance abuse might be another indicator. When it comes down to it — she says you should try to extend a helping hand.
“I think it’s very important that if especially management is approaching an employee, that they get it out there clearly that I’m coming to you, you’re not in trouble, this is not discipline. But I’m worried about you. You seem different, something’s off and I’m just wondering how we can help.”
Biersteker says there are two situations that most commonly lead to workplace violence: termination/discipline or a personal conflict.
“A lot of times that’s the trigger — termination or discipline. Or, “Some type of interpersonal relationship that went wrong. Boyfriend, girlfriend, drama within a family.”
Biersteker says an employee might not want help, but it’s important to let them know it’s there.
If an employee needs help, the best step after reaching out is getting them connected with an employee assistance program (EAP). Most companies have EAPs. A manager or HR representative can give information on them and help get people connected.
Biersteker also says it’s a good idea for employers to have signs in their workspace listing resources for employees.
