Supporting Employees Facing Personal Challenges Without Overstepping Boundaries

By Julie Griffith @ Jasmin Group LLC 

At Jasmin Group our human resources consulting team is often called into organizations to support with personnel performance issues as part of the HR consulting we provide. Nearly 100% of the time performance issues are related to personal challenges—mental health struggles, relationship struggles, gambling addictions, or substance abuse—that impact their workplace performance. As an HR consulting firm, we understand the delicate balance of offering support while respecting personal boundaries. Here’s how to provide meaningful assistance without crossing into private territory.

Recognizing the Signs Without Making Assumptions 👀
Poor decision-making in the workplace often manifests in declining performance, frequent absences, or noticeable behavior changes. It’s crucial to approach these situations with empathy rather than assumptions. HR professionals should focus on observable work-related issues and avoid probing into personal matters directly. This ensures your professionalism without getting into the murky waters of an employee's personal life. 

Creating a Supportive Framework 🛠️
To support employees effectively, organizations should establish a framework that promotes well-being in advance of a crisis:

Employee Assistance Programs - (EAPs) These programs provide confidential counseling and support for a range of personal and professional challenges, including mental health and addiction issues. Too small for an EAP? Rely on your health insurance and partner with a local mental health provider to provide services. 

Flexible Work Arrangements -  Offering options such as sick time or adjusted hours can provide employees with the time and space to address personal matters.

Open Communication Channels - Train managers to approach conversations with empathy and focus on performance, framing discussions around the expectations of the employee and how the organization can support the employee.

Offer Education - Educate related to aspects of wellness whether that be a personal finance class, yoga instruction, conflict resolution, and/or healthy eating habits. 

Legal and Ethical Considerations⚖️🔒
It’s essential for HR to operate within legal and ethical boundaries:
Any information shared by an employee must be kept confidential and used solely for providing support within the workplace. Ensure that employees are not penalized or discriminated against  for personal struggles when they seek help or disclose challenges. If the employee requests accommodations, you will need to follow your policies as well as state and federal laws regarding Title 1 of the  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.  While HR can provide resources and a supportive environment, they must respect the employee’s choice to engage or not; do not overreach. Offering help without mandating participation is key. Key your focus on their performance. 

Measuring Success📈
When organizations take these steps, they often see improvements in employee morale, productivity, and loyalty. Supporting employees through tough times not only fosters a culture of care but also enhances long-term organizational stability.

Addressing personal challenges in the workplace requires a nuanced, compassionate approach. By focusing on workplace performance and offering well-thought-out support systems, HR can help employees navigate difficulties without intruding into their personal lives. If your organization or business needs HR support, contact us for a free consultation, www.JasminGroupLLC.com.