Mental Health Highlight Workplace Conversations

Scenario

What to say / How to React

What not to say / How not to React

Severity

A good performing employee suddenly changes. Performance has been deteriorating and the employee seems reserved..

• I’ve noticed some changes in you and I’m concerned. Is everything ok?

• It’s pretty obvious that something is affecting you. I am here to help and support. 

• You have always been performing, what’s the problem now?

• Your performance has dropped, please improve otherwise we might have to take action. 

Moderate

An employee cites mental health concerns during performance appraisals, also showing emotions during conversations. 

• Let’s adjourn this meeting to another time so you are in the right frame of mind.

• We’re here to support you, let me know how we can be of assistance. 

• We have to carry on this proposal so please don’t be emotional. 

• Being emotional will not help you. 

High

An employee recently lost a loved one. He / She is not her usual self. It seems the employee is finding it hard to bounce back from the loss. 

• I’m so sorry for your loss. Let us know if you need some time off. We understand that it’s not easy. 

• Do you need some external support to help you with this bereavement?

• You have to move on. This is life, what to do. 

• You’re taking some time to get over it. We need you to focus. 

High

An employee files a grievance report against his Manager, alleging bullying through tone of speech. This has impacted his mental health and ability to cope at work. 

• Thank you for informing us, we do not condone such actions but are duty bound to carry out the necessary investigation. We will revert once we have an outcome. 

• Back then, everyone shouted at me when I started my career. You need to find ways to work with your manager. 

• Some people are just like that, don’t take it personally. 

Moderate

An employee requests for flexible work arrangements due to mental health concerns. 

• Let’s talk about how this might help you. We would like to explore how this flexibility could support your well-being. 

• We can’t change the policy just for 1 person, we hope you understand. 

• Mental health is not an excuse for you to be away from the office. 

Moderate

An employee is on high levels of MC and claims that he is facing stress and might be depressed due to burn-out. 

• Please take care of your health. We have our in-house EAP which you should utilise. Upon a doctor’s recommendation, let’s see if we could help you with external mental health support. 

• Your high levels of MC is now becoming a problem, this has affected your performance. 

• Everyone is stressed, we all have our problems to deal with. Please don’t mix your personal problems with work. 

Moderate