Office Culture: Be a Human Resource

Anyone who has found themselves in a supervisor role, has been tasked with helping one or multiple employees with matters that do not relate directly to their work. Handling these topics can become tricky, but it is essential to provide support for "home life" matters in today's office culture.

Checking your 'home life' at the door, is ideal to minimize distractions and performance issues among employees. But, when tough situations arise, this is not always possible. Major life changes, such as a partner's job loss, new child, childcare issues, car maintenance issues, moving, (and the list goes on) can be so stressful to an individual that the stress spills over into the workplace. As a supervisor, you must be available to offer support to these employees, without cutting drastically into performance and production. So, how does one go about this? Here are a few ideas to implement in your workplace:

1. Use Third-Party Resources

Employees turn to their supervisor or team lead, because they are unsure where else to turn. And while not all of us are financial advisers, car mechanics or babysitters, having names of these professionals on hand can make this process quick and effective. Do not just toss a phone book at an employee, though, to fend for themselves, offer names of individuals you have used yourself or ones who come highly recommended by friends, family or colleagues. You are trusting these individuals to take care of your employee so they can get back to being the happy, productive team member that you know. So, be sure that the professional you pass along is responsive and receptive to offering help.

2. Have an Open-Door Policy

The thought of having an open-door policy can be overwhelming-and how in the world does this allow for productivity for yourself? Limit the open-door policy! And before you ask, YES, YOU CAN DO THIS! Block out a few hours a day or week where your door is shut. The rest of the time, make sure your employees know that your door is open. Stress this in team meetings and individual meetings by reminding your team that your door is always open. Make sure that you keep an 'open door' during employee break times, lunch times and at the beginning and end of employees shifts. These are the times when outside stress seem to creep into the workplace the most, and this will most likely be your busiest time.

3. Have Face-to-Face Check-ins

If you know an employee is having a rough time, be sure to take time out of your day to check-in on them. This could be a simple stop at their desk when you are on your way to get coffee, or leaving a smile post-it note on their desk. Even if they do not reach out to you for help and support, be sure to let them know you are there-and that you care!

Finally, just be a good human! Remember that employees have feelings, and things outside of work that are sometimes outside of their control. They are humans, just like you, and may have a heavy plate every once in a while. Smile, lend an ear or give them the name of your college landlord, they will be grateful for it!