Supporting a single parent at work?

[ScottishRiever]

I work at a site. My duties involving going around it and checking everything is all right.

I like to think I am good at the job and I have developed a pretty rapid fire wit, which means I can do workplace banter (this is relevant later) pretty well (which is needed, otherwise the workload gets you down).

There is one woman I very much like however and I think she has depression. I believe that she is a single parent (she has never mentioned a partner, just that she has kids) and running childcare (including picking up kids) combined with her workload is taking a toll on her.

She has mentioned in passing, that the stress gets her down.

I am not going to pretend that I understand her situation. I am male and I don’t have any kids or worries like that.

I don’t want to patronise her, but I am aware that depression is a silent killer as well. I want to let her know that I can listen as well as joke around.

Then just when she mentions it say here if you ever need a chat.. don't say it with a grin .. even make her grab her a cuppa..

When you say "very much like", do you mean as a friend, or in a romantic way?

I'm not implying that you have an agenda in offering her support, and it is possible to do both. I'm just wanting to clarify.

It's just that if she suspects you like her as more than a friend, it could be an extra stress for her to manage your expectations, if you see what I mean. (Assuming she didn't feel the same!)

Other than that, I agree with the above. Next time she mentions it, tell her what you have said - that you won't claim to fully understand, but you do have two ears that make you capable of listening. Or say, "sorry you're feeling stressed. Why don't we go grab a coffee and take 5 mins out".

You don't say what your role is but the only real 'formal' support that would be appropriate to offer would be that which is available in company policies i.e. company paid childcare, childcare vouchers flexible working, time off to care for dependents. Single parents struggle with work and frankly there isn't a much an employer can offer bearing in mind the kind of policies most UK employers have. Being a single working parent is a very very demanding thing to do. Also not sure how to interpret ''I like very much'' be careful about blurring / crossing the line in a professional environment.

If you are trying to be a 'friend' in a more in informal capacity then you can offer to be a kind ear to talk to? Not sure how helpful that will do or how comfortable she'd feel talking.

Next time she says something (and if the time is right) suggest taking 10 mins our for a cuppa. Take it from there. Just be a friend and one that she can trust.