How to Know When to Seek External Help

When you’re in a managerial position, it’s rational to want to do a good job within your role – however, that also extends to doing good by the employees that you manage.

In some unfortunate instances, you may come across a situation with a fellow employee that goes beyond your experience, understanding, or training; that isn’t a reflection on your managerial skills, however, it is an opportunity to approach this new situation with care.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve come to that point or not, then here are a few ways to know when it’s time to seek external help.

1)    You’ve spoken to them before

If you’ve already had a constructive discussion with them about their situation and decided on resolutions, but the employee is still struggling then perhaps it’s time to explore options beyond your workplace.

There can often be an internal feeling of disappointment for employees when the first solution doesn’t work out. But by offering another one, you’re proving to them that they’re still worth the effort.

2)    It’s beyond your training

We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth stressing that managers can’t be expected to be trained in all areas. Some may have had experience managing another employee’s mental or physical health, while others may specifically shine in areas of teaching.

It’s important to acknowledge your own limitations, for the good of your employee and yourself.

3)    The work is beginning to suffer

When your personal life is suffering, it can be hard to keep control of other aspects of your life. If your employee is undergoing a life transformation or struggle, it can be hard to keep perspective.

Of course, allow your employee the time and space to feel how they may need to before you approach them – however, if there are no signs of improvement, it’s entirely valid to support them with an external team.

Whether it helps with their mental health, physical health, or something else.

4)    Higher powers are getting involved

If your employee is on the brink of losing their job, there are things you can do to help prevent it.

Unless it has been caused by an irreparable act, then there are likely reasons beneath the surface why the employee is struggling to carry out their job to your standards.

If higher powers are getting involved and are threatening to fire your employee, then it’s time to bring external help in to prevent it.

Remember, there’s a reason you hired them in the first place.

5)    If they ask you to

This may be the most overt, but it often goes ignored.

If an employee comes to you struggling and seeking help, use their honesty as an opportunity and be grateful for their earnestness. Not many employees would feel comfortable enough to admit to their struggle. But if yours has, then you have a responsibility to see that through and offer the most positive solutions.

And one of those may be beyond what your workplace can offer.

If you’re ready to seek external help, then that’s the first step. The second step is confirming who to turn to for that help, at OH One we specialise in keeping employees employed.

Contact us at 0333 772 1697 and info@OH-One.co.uk to explore how we can help.