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Mental health

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if you have an MH problem, how would you like your boss to support you

4 replies

sheepdoglikesheep · 28/09/2014 19:12

I manage a staff member who I recently discovered has a significant MH problem. He came to us as wanted a less stressful role with less responsibility, and has proved to be an excellent worker, keen to learn new skills, and hard working. He did not disclose his problems to me, although occupational health were fully aware. In the year he has been with us, he has had 2 days off sick, well below the average. However, last week he had an episode of severe anxiety, wanting to die, and clearly in a very distressed state. he went home, and I didn't expect him to return the following day. However, he did, and explained about his condition to me, saying he did not want to be off sick as had previously been off for a year, and felt his progress with his illness was so good, he felt that he did not need to be off. Since this episode, he is back to his normal reliable hard working self. Some of the staff are unsure how to approach him, they are constantly asking him if he is ok, but he says that he just wants to be treated as if this episode hadn't happened. As a boss, how can I best offer support.

OP posts:
LastingLight · 28/09/2014 19:45

Wow, you're an amazing boss. I used to have a manager like you and I really appreciated the fact that he would from time to time enquire about my health, in a very matter-of-fact way. He also let me decide the level of pressure I could deal with when I went through periods of being unwell. I work in a corporate environment and having a boss who looked out for me in this way was an incredible blessing. If he wants to be treated as if the episode has never happened then that's the way to go. Does your occupational health department communicate information about health and safety to employees? Maybe they can distribute some educational material about various health issues including physical and mental health.

LastingLight · 28/09/2014 19:47

What you could perhaps tell him is that if he ever feels overwhelmed he can come to you and you will help him in whatever way he feels is appropriate, without judging.

Spaceboundeminem · 28/09/2014 19:52

Wow I hope I get a boss like you!

Khalessi · 28/09/2014 20:05

My employer has agreed to me starting an hour later to take into account the fact I'm very sleepy most mornings due to meds. That has helped hugely.
You sound great!

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