How much thought do you give to what’s happening in your employees’ personal lives? While you shouldn’t be too involved, it’s important to recognize that what someone is dealing with outside of work can affect how they are while working. Of course, you could just brush it off as not your problem, and insist that employees leave all of that stuff at home. However, many employers are recognizing that this isn’t a very realistic approach. Providing some assistance to help your staff deal with problems at home or cope with them while at work can be much more helpful and give your best employees the support that they need. Here’s how you might be able to help.
Money Worries
Money is one of the top things that people worry about. Even when they’re financially comfortable, it can be difficult not to worry about losing their financial security. Problems with money can affect your employees’ productivity because they’re so distracted at work, so it makes sense to offer them support. There are several practical things that you might consider to help. To assist individual employees, you could offer debt counseling through an employee assistance program. It’s also a good idea to look deeper at how you can help to tackle money problems on a wider scale, such as providing a living wage to all employees.
Relationship and Family Problems
It would be ideal if people could leave their relationship or family problems at home, but people don’t work like that. These issues can range from marital problems to an illness in the family, and they can’t just be shaken off when your employees arrive at work. An employee assistance program can again be helpful to provide the right support. You could also consider things like flexible working, which can allow employees to deal with things like childcare or caring for an ill relative more easily.
Legal Issues
When an employee is dealing with a legal issue, it could mean that you don’t want them around anymore. But there are also times when you won’t want to lose them, even if they have done something wrong. If helping an employee with their DUI defense means you don’t lose some of your best talent or one of your most loyal employees, it could be worth offering assistance. You might consider helping with money or legal resources to give an employee the support they need to get back to work without legal issues worrying them.
Health Problems
No one can choose when they get ill or injured, but most people want to continue to work when they’re able to. However, if they don’t get time to recover, it can take them even longer before they’re able to work at full capacity. Being generous with allowing time off when your employees need it could make a big difference to productivity. The benefits you provide can be helpful too, from medical insurance to gym memberships that help your employees stay healthy.
Help your employees to deal with problems in their personal life, and they could perform better at work. They might be more likely to stick around when they recognize you as a supportive employer too.