Helping others to grow and thrive in their work can be a rewarding opportunity. Still, working in HR can be intimidating when you don’t feel equipped to handle obstacles or difficult situations. If you have ever struggled with unexpected circumstances, you’re not alone.
Preventive actions such as setting boundaries, requiring ongoing training, offering written policies, and providing employee support can help HR leaders avoid many workplace problems. Consider these real-world HR horror stories and gain some practical tips you can use should you ever find yourself in similar scenarios.
An Encounter With a Mental Health Emergency
One HR manager who was employed with a large retailer recalls encountering an employee dealing with mental health concerns. The HR manager tried as much as they could to provide helpful resources for the employee. They also spent a lot of time in personal discussions on which the employee eventually became dependent.
One night, the employee attempted to take their own life in the store. Emergency services were called, which upset the employee. The next night, when the HR manager was the only leader on duty, the employee walked into their office, locked the door, and proceeded to share their feelings of anger. With no prior training, the HR manager spent multiple hours de-escalating the situation with only the support of the security manager standing outside the door.
Responding to Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
Mental health can be a daunting subject. Here are a few ways HR leaders can face mental health concerns head-on to prevent and properly navigate similar situations.
Professional Boundaries
HR professionals might naturally want to be “fixers,” but you must realize that you cannot solve any employee’s mental health problems. In conversations, you can let employees know you understand and empathize with their feelings. However, the discussion should always be focused on helping them find their own solutions and providing them with appropriate support offered to all employees.
Manager Training
In an emergency conflict, managers don’t have time to research and review conflict resolution or de-escalation techniques. When leaders aren’t equipped to deal with escalating situations, things can quickly go south. Make sure the HR team, as well as all managers, have solid de-escalation and emergency response training so they’ll know how to react when unexpected scenarios arise.
Best Practices
HR leaders should work to establish company-wide policies and best practices for these types of emergencies. Because people in HR roles deal with a lot of human emotions, it’s important to standardize expectations and protocols when mental health emergencies arise. Best practices help to equip and protect the business and the employees.
Employee Support
Three-quarters of employers with 5,000 or more employees say access to behavioral care presents an issue in their business, and 43% of small employers agree. Consider providing an employee assistance program (EAP) for people experiencing mental health concerns. EAPs can entail treatment referrals, partnering with an online counseling service, trauma intervention, and even employee mental health education.
Employees with documented mental health concerns should also understand the process for requesting accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Managers and HR leaders should also be trained to recognize and respond to informal requests and engage in the interactive process.
Preparing Your HR Team for the Unexpected
Navigating these real-world HR horror stories highlights the importance of being prepared for difficult and unpredictable situations. By taking proactive steps, such as setting clear boundaries, ensuring ongoing manager training, and implementing standardized policies, HR professionals can create a safer, more supportive environment for employees. Offering resources like employee assistance programs (EAPs) can also provide critical mental health support when needed most.
As an HR leader, being equipped to handle these challenges not only benefits your organization but also empowers employees to thrive. Start by reviewing your current procedures and consider how additional training, support systems, and updated policies can help your team better navigate the unexpected.
Ready to enhance your HR strategy and take control of compliance and employee support? Schedule a demo with VirgilHR today to learn how our solutions can help you proactively manage even the toughest HR challenges.
