Helping Others Through Tough Times

Heavy workloads, financial strain, and ongoing uncertainty are challenges many workers are facing today. These pressures can take a toll on your energy, focus, and sense of well-being. You are not alone. Employees and leaders in every sector are navigating similar stressors at work and at home.

In this environment, staying connected in meaningful ways with the people you care about—and the people you work with—matters more than ever. Make time to check in, not just about tasks and deadlines, but about how people are really doing. A brief, genuine conversation or message can make a real difference, especially if someone is struggling with their mental health.

Everyone needs help sometimes.

Below are a number of tips and strategies for recognizing when an employee or colleague might need a helping hand, and describes how to reach out in a way that is respectful and supportive.

Here are a few signs that things may not be going well for an employee or colleague: 

• arriving late for work more often than not (or not checking in regularly if working remotely)

• frequently calling in sick

• making up excuses for overreacting or becoming angrier than the circumstance warrants

• not remembering what to do or not being able to concentrate

• making excessive mistakes - or performing inconsistently or below normal levels

• shifting unexpectedly from easy-going to grouchy; becoming difficult to be around, snapping at colleagues for no reason

• avoiding responsibility, or refusing to take responsibility

• avoiding socializing and withdrawing from normal conversation

• showing up at work with signs fatigue or exhaustion

The iceberg analogy - behaviours seen, underlying causes unseen.

Like this iceberg, we may see the signs but never know (until we ask) what might be hiding under the surface.

Knowing when and how to help.

So, what do you do when you think someone might need a helping hand and you’re willing to offer them yours?

Before you do anything, first check-in with yourself.

• Is this the best time for you to have this conversation?

• Are you feeling calm enough, well enough, strong enough?

• If you are, great! If not, take a moment to get grounded yourself so you can focus on the other person in the moment.

Be prepared for a variety of responses. They might be open to talking to you, or may become emotional or even respond with anger or defensiveness, not ready to hear what you have to say. They might be offended and suggest you've made a mistake, or tell you to mind your own business.

Whatever their response, it’s important that you know and maintain your own boundaries, and respect the other person’s willingness or unwillingness to accept your support. It’s not on you to diagnose them or try to fix them. You are offering a helping hand to someone you’re concerned about. You are simply trying to state what you’re observing, and offering support in response.

Follow these steps to lend a helping hand:

1. Ask if your employee/colleague is willing to chat with you. Find a quiet space that’s private for this conversation, or ensure there is privacy (on both ends) of a phone or video call.

2. Focus the discussion on what you’ve noticed - changes in behaviour, appearance, performance, or attitude - and share your concern for their well-being.

3. Leave room for a response and listen to them without judgment. This is crucial and will go a long way to inviting openness and sharing. (If they aren't ready or willing to talk, remind them that you are there to talk and listen any time.)

4. Ask them what they need and how you can help. Reassure them that you will respect confidentiality.

5. Depending on the issues that surface, suggest they access appropriate professional support and remind/inform them of any available services such as their EAP, extended health benefits, or other community health services. If they are reluctant to call or reach out on their own, suggest you make the initial call together.

Avoid these Unhelpful Strategies

Sometimes when we face uncomfortable or vulnerable situations with a friend or colleague it can be hard to know what to say. Often times we fill the silence by saying things to help the person to feel better in ways that are not supportive. It is okay to sit silently and listen or tell the person you willing to help but aren't sure how.

• Don’t tell someone to “snap out of it” or to “get over it.”

• Don’t adopt an overinvolved or overprotective attitude toward them.

• Don’t use a patronizing tone of voice or a facial expression that shows an extreme look of concern.

• Don’t ignore, disagree with or dismiss the person’s feelings by attempting to say something positive like, “You don’t seem that bad to me.”

Giving and receiving help.

Remember, it' completely reasonable for you to ask for support before, during, and after this process as well. Consult with your manager, an appropriate leader, HR staff, or your EAP, for guidance and feedback on your approach.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to EFAP for support. You can call to access support for yourself or to help guide you as you support a colleague or peer. We are here to help.