You walk into the office on Monday morning and run into Jane and say, “Good morning. How was your weekend?” Jane responds with the standard, “Good. Yours?” But what you don’t know is that Jane isn’t being completely honest and was struggling to get out of bed all weekend and definitely didn’t want to come into work that day.
She may not want to burden you with her personal problems but you can tell she seems down, distracted, and it’s starting to impact her productivity at work. You aren’t sure how to approach her because you surmise she is battling something much deeper.
When you suspect that a coworker may be going through some mental health concerns, it's important to approach the situation with kindness and understanding. Here's how you can politely address it:
- Choose the right time and place: Find a quiet and private moment to talk to your coworker. You want to ensure that they feel comfortable and not embarrassed or overwhelmed by others listening.
- Be kind and gentle: Start the conversation by expressing your concern in a caring and non-judgmental way. You can say something like, "Hey [coworker's name], I've noticed that you seem a little different lately, and I just wanted to check in and see if everything is okay."
- Use "I" statements: Instead of making assumptions or accusing your coworker, focus on your own observations and feelings. For example, say, "I've noticed that you've been quieter than usual, and I wanted to see if there's anything I can do to support you."
- Show empathy and offer support: Let your coworker know that you are there to listen and help if they need it. Say something like, "I understand that things can be tough sometimes, and if you ever want to talk or need someone to listen, I'm here for you."
- Respect their privacy: It's important to remember that not everyone is comfortable discussing their mental health openly. If your coworker doesn't want to talk about it, respect their decision and reassure them that you understand.
- Suggest resources: If they seem open to the idea, you can suggest resources that might be helpful, such as counseling services or employee assistance programs offered by your workplace. Let them know that these resources are available and can provide professional support. (A list of several local and national resources can be found here.)
- Follow up: After your initial conversation, continue to check in on your coworker from time to time. Ask how they're doing and let them know that you're there for them if they ever need to talk.
Remember, it's important to be understanding and non-judgmental when addressing mental health concerns. Everyone goes through difficult times, and offering support can make a big difference in someone's life.
