Small effort. Giant impact.

Whether an employee comes to you with a mental health issue or you need to approach someone you are concerned about, consider the positive actions below:

Listen to Learn:

• Discuss matters in a private space where there are few distractions. Put phones or other electronics on silent to enable yourself to focus on the employee with no interruptions.
• Show care and compassion. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to the responses without judgment.
• Allow for pauses and avoid rushing the conversation.
• Pay attention to your body language to ensure you are conveying openness and respect.
• Express how you value the employee and the importance of prioritizing their wellbeing.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality as much as possible.
• Be prepared by knowing your legal obligations as an employer to accommodate mental health conditions.

Collaborate on Solutions:

• Focus on the facts of the situation.
• Ask the employee about what possible workplace solutions they suggest.
• Develop a plan for the next steps that you both can agree on. Address any fears or concerns.
• Keep a broader perspective in mind that enables you to look beyond the specific situation. Perhaps workplace factors are having a negative impact on others too.

Offer Additional Support and Follow-up:

• Recap the plan and be clear about the expectations. Follow up on the actions you agreed to take.
• Ask if you can share information about an employee assistance program or community services. See the Mental Health Support page for a comprehensive list of mental health service providers. 
  • If the employee is experiencing a mental health crisis, see the options at the bottom of this page for getting immediate help.
  • Note: The Superior Mental Wellness @ Work project offers free bundles of help cards (and acrylic holders) to any workplace in the Thunder Bay District. To request a set for your workplace, email  workplacewellness@tbdhu.com.  
• Check in occasionally if the employee will be off work for a period of time.
• Express gratitude for their strength to discuss the situation.

Keep these tips handy by downloading the Positive Actions for Workplace Leaders When Responding to Employee Mental Health Concerns resource [PDF] 

For additional information, visit Workplace Strategies for Mental Health - Employee Mental Health Issues

Coworkers are often the first to notice when someone is struggling. Knowing how to respond with compassion can make a real difference.

Listen to learn

• Invite a conversation if you notice that someone is unsettled, distracted, upset or just doesn’t seem themselves lately. Approach them gently, saying something like: “You don’t seem like yourself lately. Are you okay?”
• Or, if someone comes to you seeking to talk, listen with compassion and without judgment and without interruptions. 
• Repeat back what you hear to confirm your understanding.

Collaborate on solutions

• Focus on small steps. Help them tackle tasks one at a time rather than trying to address everything at once. 
• Direct the conversation towards talking about solutions rather than dwelling on their challenges.
• Ask what they would like to do about the issues they are facing. Offer ideas if they are uncertain.
• Encourage them to take next steps when they are ready. Be sure to align seeking help as a sign of strength, not weakness. 
• Encourage breaks and movement. A short walk or fresh air can help improve focus and mood.
• Offer specific actionable support, instead of saying “let me know if you need anything.”
• Reassure them that they are not alone.

Offer additional support and follow up

• Share resources about services that offer additional support, such as a benefits program, Employee Assistance Program, healthcare provider, community counseling services, etc. See the Mental Health Support page for a comprehensive list of mental health service providers. 
  • Note: If the coworker is experiencing a mental health crisis, see the options at the bottom of this page for getting immediate help.
• Check in with them from time to time to see how they are doing. Even a small thing like leaving a “thinking of you” sticky note can be comforting.
• Supporting a coworker doesn’t mean taking on their problems. You are not a therapist. Your role is to listen with compassion, show you care, offer support, and suggest professional resources if necessary. Set boundaries when you need to protect your own emotional wellbeing.

For additional information on supporting coworkers, visit Workplace Strategies for Mental Health - Supporting Troubled Coworkers.