How to Counsel a Troubled Employee

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Dealing with a troubled employee is a challenge for any manager. Here's how to avoid potential pitfalls.

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Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Stress Management Counseling
Human Resource Managers
Paper And Pencils

Step 1

Take note of dramatic changes in the employee's performance and on-the-job behavior, such as a work speedup or slowdown, increased long hours or absenteeism, and changes in quality of performance.
Step 2

Meet with the employee and determine whether the problem is personal or job-related.
Step 3

Avoid becoming involved in an employee's personal problem. If the employee needs professional help, put him or her in touch with an employee assistance program.
Step 4

Focus on performance issues if the trouble is job-related. In a calm, nonaccusatory manner, point out the changes in the employee's performance.
Step 5

Ask what you can do to help.
Step 6

Work with the employee to develop concrete goals and a timeline for resolving the issues.

Tips & Warnings

Have your human resources department set up a contract with an outside employee assistance agency. This will ensure that your employees have access to help without having their privacy compromised.
Some problems cannot be solved without professional intervention. Remember, you are not a therapist.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Although you may find yourself involved in an employee's situation at work, it is imperative that you not become involved on a personal level. This will only make communication difficult at best and can cause resentments.