Possible Functional Impacts in the Workplace By Tasha Broomhall
T
his list is not exhaustive and equally, for some individuals, there will be no functional impacts in the workplace. It is also important to note that the impacts shown below may be present yet have nothing to do with mental health issues. They may be related to other work or life circumstances. If you notice any of these possible indicators and you are concerned about an employee, be careful not to assume that they are experiencing a mental health issue. Instead have a conversation with the employee about what you have observed.
Photo: Alex Kotliarskyi (Unsplash)
These indicators in themselves do not mean that an employee is experiencing mental
health issues. It is when the symptoms are pervasive, long lasting and are affecting the employee’s functioning that it may have more impact. If signs are observed and are of concern these can be appropriately addressed with the employee, and assistance may be needed to prevent the issue developing further. Seek support from your Human Resource or Safety team, as well as from an employee counselling service your organisation contracts. This is an edited extract from the book Bloom! At Work, written by Tasha Broomhall. The book is available for purchase here.
FUNCTIONAL IMPACTS
SOCIAL IMPACTS
PERSONAL IMPACTS
Lack of focus
Not engaging with others
Erratic
Social withdrawal
No confidence in areas where they previously have been confident
Difficulty making decisions
Discord with colleagues
Focused internally
Task overdrive
Unapproachable
Need to control/ be perfect
Avoidance of work
Micromanaging other staff members
Excessively tired
Accidents (not following safety protocols)
Unusually argumentative
Lack of concentration
Morale issues
Reduced productivity
Seeking extra support
Absenteeism
Overly reactive emotionally Very over-confident Physical signs such as headaches Increased substance use
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