Supporting a Colleague with Addiction: Practical Steps from The Next Right STEPS Podcast
When someone at work has an addiction problem, you have an opportunity to serve and help them, but you may be unsure of what to do. Here are some ideas to consider.
Ever wondered what to do if you suspect a coworker is battling addiction? This episode of 'The Next Right STEPS' podcast dives into this sensitive topic, offering practical advice on how to handle it with empathy and care. Host Steve C. Ward emphasizes that ignoring the issue isn't the answer, even though it might seem like the easiest route. Instead, he provides actionable steps you can take to make a positive impact on your colleague's life.
First, Steve suggests being genuinely available. This means spending time with the person, both in person and through other forms of communication. Ask them how they're doing and really listen to their response. Show that you care about their well-being beyond just their work performance. If you're in a managerial position, it's crucial to approach the situation with a balanced mix of firmness and compassion.
Creating an improvement plan might be necessary, but it should be done with the bigger picture in mind—their career, well-being, family, and life. Steve also highlights the importance of pointing them towards helpful resources like counseling services or recovery meetings. Confidentiality is key, but enabling poor work performance isn't helpful either. Setting clear expectations while showing grace can make a world of difference.
The episode reminds us that everyone has their struggles and that offering support can help someone take that crucial positive step towards recovery. In essence, this episode is a guide on how to be a trustworthy, understanding, and supportive colleague when someone at work is struggling with addiction. It's not just about addressing the problem but doing so in a way that fosters hope and courage.
Tune in to learn how you can make a real difference in someone's life by taking the next right step.