Covid-19 - Impact on Health and Wellbeing

What are some of the early signs that someone may be struggling at work?

“Stiff upper lip!” “pull yourself together!” “snap out of it!”

Maybe this has been a reaction you have heard in the workplace to someone who expresses wellbeing concerns such as stress-related illness or anxiety. Hopefully, things have changed due to the greatly increased awareness and understanding on this issue that is central to us all.

“Changes in work habits are all too often accredited to poor performance, when the root cause could be a mental health concern”.

Being able to spot the early signs that someone is struggling with their mental health is a valuable and essential ability as an employer or manager. Not only will it allow you to offer support to your staff early on, but could also have a positive impact on their life, inside and outside of work, in the long run.

Here are six of the most common signs and symptoms to look out for, bearing in mind that while some may display some of these symptoms, mental health affects people individually, so some may display none of these or different symptoms all together

1. Changes in work habits

Someone who appears to have a lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating or lower-than-normal productivity isn’t necessarily a performance management issue, so it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions.

2. Changes in physical appearance

Is the personal grooming and general appearance on an individual slipping in some way? If an employee or colleague who typically arrives for work immaculately groomed starts showing up unkempt, it could be an indication  that they’re having difficulty coping.

3. Changes in demeanour

Dramatic changes in personality or demeanour can also indicate mental health struggles. Exhibiting excessive nervousness, restlessness, or irritability; seeming passive, worried, tense or acting in unusual ways are all changes to look out for.

4. Increased absence or regularly being late

When an employee who is usually on time starts showing up late, missing meetings, or calling in sick more often, this could be an early sign that something is not quite right. Physical complaints, aches and pains, excessive fatigue, or just seeming generally “under the weather” can be signs associated with depression and anxiety.

5. Outbursts and mood swings

A lack of control of emotion, outbursts and mood swings  could be associated with anxiety or a stress-related disorder. Does an employee seem unable to deal with the little things? Disruptive behaviour, flouting rules, or acting in an overly aggressive manner can all be mental illness red flags.

6. Withdrawing or avoiding interaction

An unwillingness to communicate, seeming withdrawn, avoiding social situations, self-imposed isolation, or retreating from interactions with others can be a sign of mental illness. If a co-worker seems to avoid engaging socially with other team members, it could be cause for concern.

A responsible line manager will try to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of mental illness in the workplace and often want to pro-actively start talking to their team.

Knowing what to look for is the first step to opening a productive dialogue surrounding mental health. While you can’t force someone to be comfortable disclosing a mental illness, you can and should leave the door open for conversation and support.

In the event that some signs are identified, what are your next steps?

• Do not be quick to be dismissive; arrange to meet again in the near future to discuss whether the individual is feeling better, worse or the same.

• Contact your HR Department and discuss the matter with them.

• Try to discuss some specific measures that could bring some relief to the individual in the short term such as changing schedules, reducing workloads where possible, identifying major triggers of stress or anxiety or even consider giving some time to rectify personal issues, including attending counselling if this is deemed to be necessary.

In all cases, experience tells us that ignoring problems will not make them go away. With some positive interest and communication, molehills may not automatically turn into mountains.