Workplace toxicity not only diminishes employee performance it can also lead toburnout.
Part of the nuance of workplace relationships is the delicate balance of boundaries.
Within the office, youre colleagues and peers.
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Outside the office, you may be close friends.
Complications can arise when dynamics outside the workplace come into the office.
Here are 25 ways to support your co-worker through a hard time.
Do you want to talk?
Some folks prefer to keep their mind focused on their tasks, even when it is challenging.
Is there any extra support you need?
Would it be helpful if we redistributed our workload?
This suggestion applies to a scenario with specific circumstances.
First, youll want to see to it you have the bandwidth to take on extra tasks.
Then, youll want to consider how that may impact other members of the team.
Finally, be aware of your positionality.
For example, are you in a leadership role?
If so, how would redistributing the workload impact your other work relationships?
Maintaining a fair and unbiased perspective with heart is the key.
If you’ve got the option to support your colleague in reassessing their workload, go forth.
This is a lot to carry alone.
Do you have a therapist you’re able to talk to?
Perhaps youre clued in on whats going on and realize your co-worker is carrying something incredibly painful.
We loveInclusive TherapistsandOpen Path Collective.
You deserve support.
I can help you find the contact for the Employee Assistance Program.
Employees are entitled to support and many companies haveEmployee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
you’re free to offer to support your colleague by tracking down the contact for them.
Do you want to bookend your chat with HR?
If your co-worker is considering chatting with HR, offer to bookend the conversation.
This means that youcheck inbriefly before the call and then debrief afterward.
Have you considered taking some time off?
For some, taking time off may not be an option.
However, youd be surprised to learn just how many people dont even think oftaking time offwhen theyre struggling.
Posing the question can be helpful.
Im worried about you.
Those withperfectionisttendencies can overlook and even normalize when theyre struggling.
Simply stating your worry for them can be a powerful invitation for them to reflect on how theyre doing.
Just know Im here for you.
Reminding them youre there for them can be more than enough.
I see you and all your efforts.
Part of the struggle in the workplace for many is feeling that ones hard work has gone unnoticed.
Reminding your co-worker that you see them and everything theyre doing can go a long way.
A job isnt worth your well-being.
Tread lightly with this one.
The majority of us have to work to sustain our livelihood and leaving a job isnt an easy task.
Want to get together outside of the office to connect?
The office isnt always the best place to connect onvulnerablefeelings.
Lets see what your options are.
If your co-worker is struggling due to mental health concerns, they may qualify for aleave of absence.
Offering to look into the qualifications for a leave of absence could be a huge help to them.
Dont feel pressured to share what youre not ready to.
It can be easy to overshare in the workplace.
Reminding your co-worker they dont owe anyone personal information theyre not comfortable sharing can be powerful.
What do you feel comfortable sharing?
Ive experienced something similar.
Would it be helpful to hear my experience?
Dont jump to immediately commiserating with your co-worker.
Thoughtfully ask if theyre interested in hearing what youve had to navigate.
Would you like advice or a listening ear?
Simply asking what your co-worker needs can start the conversation off on the right foot.
Your feelings are valid.
A simple validation can be healing.
Lets consider your options.
you could serve as an unbiased sounding board.
I hear you.
Sometimes, these three simple words are all anyone needs to hear.
Mastroianni K, Storberg-Walker J.
2018;15(5):1035. doi:10.3390/ijerph15051035
