Managers, do you know how to recognize when your employee may be struggling with a personal problem that is impacting their work performance? Offered below is information that can assist you in identifying and discussing your employee concerns with Employee/Labor Relations.
Contact Employee/Labor Relations:
Angie Hernandez- ext. 5392
Manager of Employee/Labor Relations
Fred Tandy- ext. 3729
Employee/Labor Relations Specialist
* odor of alcohol or marijuana on breath or clothing
* changes in speech (e.g., slurred, slowed, more rapid, illogical content)
* impaired coordination or increased clumsiness or unusual involuntary body movements
* excessive drowsiness and/or sleeping on the job or at lunch/break times
* argumentative or highly reactive to the comments or observations of others
* physical agitation or abnormally slow movements
* verbal or physical aggressiveness directed towards others
* difficulty retaining information or successfully following instructions
* excessive forgetfulness
* disorganized work habits
* decline in appearance and/or personal hygiene
* unexplained absence from the work area
* frequent injuries from falls or poorly explained bruises and abrasions
* wearing clothing which is inappropriate to the season (e.g., long sleeves in the summer)
* any frequent pattern of absenteeism (e.g., beginning/ending of workweek, after paydays)
* frequent call-ins for scheduled weekend shifts
* verbal outbursts or loss of emotional control
* impaired thought processes
* frequent tardiness
* change in usual level of social interaction with peers and supervisor
(e.g., more isolated, withdrawn, or abnormally gregarious)
* pervasive feelings or expressions of sadness and hopelessness
* verbal statements indicating thoughts of harming self or others
* generalized loss of interest and enjoyment in activities and social interaction
* significant reduction or increase in verbal expressiveness with peers
* generalized decline in quality and effectiveness of performing job tasks
* expressing unusual thoughts
* suspiciousness or fearfulness of others
* slowed or agitated physical movements
* verbal statements of frequent or severe pain or discomfort
* slowed physical movements
* change in gait while walking
* difficulty or visible signs of pain while performing routine job movements
* frequent use of analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) to relieve discomfort
* increased absenteeism
* more time required to complete job tasks
* complaints of concentration difficulties due to physical discomfort
* frequent nausea
* decreased appetite
* increased intake of liquids
* weight changes
* pale or flushed face
* verbal intimidation or threatening comments issued with the intent to instill fear in others
* physical agitation
* statements of intent to harm self
* statement of intent to harm another
* sense of righteous indignation about an event, task or work-related reprimand
* any deliberate attempt to damage or destroy work property
* slamming doors, throwing objects or other indicators of behavioral loss-of-control while on the job
* use of profanity during verbal escalation
* difficulty de-escalating emotions following a disagreement or conflict at work
* poor behavioral control due to frequent drug or alcohol use
* impulsive and emotionally reactive behaviors
* impaired judgment
* history of depression
* recent financial or career reversal
* loss of significant relationships
* multiple family stressors with minimal support from family or friends
* isolates self or is a loner
* issuing warnings to employees not to attend work due to something that might happen
* pre-occupation with incidents of violence
* pre-occupation with weapons ( especially firearms with high lethality capabilities)
* giving away valued treasures and keepsakes to others
* legal history or workplace history of assaultive or combative behaviors
* frequent injuries which are poorly explained
* facial cuts or abrasions
* frequent tardiness
* absenteeism
* multiple daily phone calls from her partner
* frequently tearful or upset following phone calls from partner
* frequent sprains and fractures
* isolates from other employees
* socially withdrawn
* poor concentration
* excessive fatigue
* workplace is visited regularly by partner (often unannounced appearances)
* limited or no access to own vehicle for transportation
* frequent phone contact from police or legal representatives
* generalized anxiety
* appears sad much of the time
* decline in work performance
(Above information provided courtesy of the EAP at Cal State Sacramento.)
