We don’t leave Attention Deficit Disorder, learning issues, social-emotional problems, depression and other personal or mental health challenges behind when we enter the workforce, or just leave the house in the morning. It just doesn’t work that way.
The same bullies from Little League, confusion over directions, or general anxiety follow us into the workplace cubicle, boardroom or department meeting. As a business owner or as an employee, there are options to make those challenges less challenging.
First, recognize that individual childhood patterns persist into adulthood yet without the typical support structures which were often available as a youth. There’s no nurse’s office to hide in, no protective parent or coach and no easy way for quick social-emotional feedback.
Job performance, potential, productivity, morale and success are based not only on an individual’s skill set, but also on the ability to navigate the daily assaults of the workplace. Therefore, it is wise to consider and plan ways in which to accommodate for these factors as they clearly affect the way we handle our jobs and employees on a daily basis.
Ask for honest feedback from a true confidante. Acknowledge your situation. Communicate authentically, and then respond by acting on the feedback.
Take a break and use it well.
Do whatever helps you detach from the situations at work and re-focus positively. For some, it’s a protein bar. For others, it is a breath of fresh air outside for a moment mid-morning or afternoon. For others, a trip to the lavatory to shut out the work and take some deep breaths or listen to an iPod for just a few moments.
If there is a toxic situation or person where you work, detach mentally. Until you find other employment, protect your sanity. If you are feeling anxious, depressed or fearful — then get outside help. If you can address the problem at the place of employment, of course do so. At the least, document what is causing emotional distress.
As an employer, provide opportunities for respite, social interaction and ongoing feedback beyond the mid-year performance evaluations. You may have a stellar performer who emotionally abuses his or her peers daily. Do you know? Is the new guy just lazy or more stupid than you thought, or is there something or someone in your environment that prevents his/her success? Is someone underperforming from a home life you know nothing about, and would flextime make all the difference?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, by 2008 approximately 26 percent of adults in America have been diagnosed and are treated for a spectrum of mental health issues. That translates to nearly 60 million people, or one in four workers. Depression, anxiety, addiction, bi-polar and mood disorders, as well as ADHD and anger management issues impact team tasks, goals, processes and policy.
As the employer, would it help to bring in a massage therapist or aerobics teacher once a month? How can work become the emotional safe zone that home traditionally was? Surely, the visions of founders Ben & Jerry, Apple, and other companies had the happiness factor as well as profit in mind when creating their work environments.
Depression can flatten drive; Attention Deficit Disorder can disturb focus and follow through; anxiety can results in unnecessary sick time. If these are prevalent at work, we’re all in a cauldron of trouble, both as workers and as bosses. If we’re the unlucky one sitting next to someone with obtrusive social/emotional issues, our mental health as well as our performance is at risk. Bullies need to be booted out. Liars or cheaters still need to be sent “to the principal’s office.”
There’s no unilateral solution. No Zoloft for the water cooler.
There are government standards for our physical safety. Federal laws prevent sexual harassment and discrimination. We need to protect ourselves as individuals and our workers, if we are in a leadership position, from the notion that we all walk into work on the same playing field. We don’t. We bring with us our individuality, our skills and weaknesses, our behavioral issues and traumas.
Let’s pay attention to how we affect each other. After all, most of us are at work more than we’re home these days.
Allison B. Spitzer of Trumbull is an interpersonal communications and life skills coach for adults and children, including those with ADD. She can be reached through www.periwinklehealth.com or at 203-261-7615.
