An employee’s personal issues definitely reduce their engagement and success on the job. This is called “presenteeism”. How can a small employer identify and tackle personal issues which affect employee performance?

Some employees may grapple with personal issues like the following:

• Alcoholism or drug abuse in the immediate family…. or maybe an employee himself
• Worrying about the state of their teenage children. Does it affect their marriage? Do they use work time to deal with their issues?
• Health issues which cause time off from work.  How do you help them promote healthier lifestyle choices?

Is a co-worker so abrasive and unpleasant that your other employees are secretly searching for a new job?

Presenteeism: employees are at their desks, but not producing 100% of their real potential.

As a Manager or Supervisor of employees, how do you approach an employee with a problem and start a discussion?

Solution #1: Implement an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP - often referred to as an EAP)

For Managers: Tools are available to guide people leaders so that they can start meaningful discussions.

For Employees: Professional web resources are available to research legal, financial, emotional, and family problems and help them know when to get professional assistance.

Even better than that, professional assistance is part of the EAP program – face-to-face counselling is available to the employees at no cost to them. Counselling for legal, financial, nutritional, and serious mental health issues are all included.

Sounds great... But is it expensive? Absolutely not! You might be surprised at how easily and cost-effectively an EAP can be implemented and promoted as part of your overall employee benefits program.

Is there more you can do? Yes! Employers have many other resources and options available to improve employee performance and minimize presenteeism. Stay tuned for our next blog post with another practical suggestion for tackling mental health issues in your workplace.