Setting boundaries between your personal and professional life in the workplace requires a delicate balance. However, sometimes it is necessary to open up at work. Health, family, financial, and even relationship issues can affect your ability to perform your job well. And being transparent with your employer allows them to put a plan in place so that you can address - and overcome - the issue.
Here are the five key steps towards dealing successfully with a personal issue in the workplace.
1. Establish who you need to talk to
Every workplace is different, and each has its own protocol when it comes to addressing personal issues. If you feel comfortable talking directly to your supervisor or line manager, they should be your first point of contact. However, some companies may require you to report directly to HR with any issues - especially if it is a legal or ethical matter. If in doubt, check your company handbook (if you received one upon starting), or check in with your HR department first.
If your employer has access to a GulfCare health plan, you may also be entitled to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Our EAP is a confidential service that can help you and your dependents to overcome a range of challenges, from stress and anxiety to workplace challenges. If you believe your issue can be overcome independently, this can be a great first step on the road to resolution.
2. Arrange a meeting - ideally face-to-face
As with any relationship - personal or professional - the best way to raise an issue is in-person. Studies suggest that as much as 93% of communication is non-verbal. In virtual meetings, it becomes much harder to recognise these social cues, and reduces effective communication - therefore creating a disconnect - between participants.
At this stage, it’s worth documenting every interaction you have regarding your issue, to help track resolution progress.
3. Define your expectations
Prior to the meeting, work out what you wish to achieve by raising your issue - is it a short-term solution, such as a period of leave? Or a more medium-long-term solution, such as access to counseling services, or resources to support a physical incapacity? Perhaps you’d like to address the possibility of flexible working arrangements, or reassess your workload?
Your employer may not be able to meet your suggestions. However, it can help to foster a more open dialogue and ensure that you reach a mutual agreement which suits both parties.
4. Work out your strategy
Plan what you want to discuss, and how to discuss it, in advance. Under-sharing might mean you walk away unsatisfied with the resolution - but oversharing can come across as unprofessional.
Your strategy doesn’t need to be overly complex, but confidence and clarity are key. A simple framework to follow is ‘what’, ‘how’, ‘what’ (WHW) - outline ‘what’ the issue is, ‘how’ it is affecting your workload, and ‘what’ you think will help you to overcome it. Relate every point back to the main issue, and frame your approach as a constructive problem-solving exercise. This will keep the conversation on-track, and make it more likely for you and your employer to reach a resolution.
5. Establish next steps - and make the most of workplace resources
After the meeting, immediately follow up with your employer in writing with the key points raised during the discussion, and the proposed next steps, to keep key milestones in sight.
Your employer may have proposed a range of services to help you overcome your issue - don’t be afraid to utilize any support offered. For example, companies that are enrolled in a customizable GulfCare plan benefit from access to our tele-health services. We are proud to include TruDoc as part of our plans, which provides our clients with 24/7 access to doctors and wellness experts who practice evidence-based medicine, in-line with NHS International Guidelines.
We cannot always plan for life’s curveballs. But we can put plans in place to protect our physical and mental health. To learn more about GulfCare and our range of employee benefits, click here or get in touch today.
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