Skip to main content

Given that over 45% of Australians will suffer from a mental health condition at some point in their lifetimes, it should come as no surprise that the negative characteristics associated with mental illness often reveals itself in the workplace…

When someone is suffering from poor mental health, it usually manifests in increased misconduct or poor work output, which inadvertently alerts management to a perceived performance issue.

Despite what we know about mental health, when an employee starts demonstrating uncharacteristic signs of misconduct or poor performance, the usual knee-jerk reaction for management is to performance manage or discipline the person.

However, it’s important to recognise that these behavioural or performance changes can often be caused by a mental health issue. The quandary for managers is knowing when these issues are caused by mental health problems and when they are not.

Is the behaviour personality-driven?

Before investigating any behavioural changes, it’s important to know the difference between a mental health condition and a personality-driven behaviour. 

The former is reflected in changed behaviour, while the latter is continual, unchanged and often unchangeable. In other words, you’re looking for a change in the norm when deciphering whether or not a colleague is suffering from a mental health issue. When the misconduct has always been there, it is less likely to be mental-health-driven.

Characteristic changes to look out for

Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to know for sure if someone is suffering from a mental health issue unless they tell you themselves. But there are several things to look out for to help you reach this conclusion.

1) Changes in work habits

  • Does the person appear to demonstrate a lack of motivation?
  • Is their concentration levels and productivity lower?
  • Is the productivity/behavioural problem a change, or has the problem always been there? 

2) Changes in physical appearance

  • Has there been a sudden change in the person’s appearance? 
  • Are they unkept (lack of personal grooming)? 
  • Are they wearing ‘daggy’ clothing consistently? 

3) Increased absenteeism or tardiness 

  • Does the person turn up late for work consistently?
  • Are they regularly late for meetings?
  • Do they forget meetings altogether? 
  • Do they complain about aches and pains, excessive fatigue, or general tiredness consistently?

4) Changes in demeanour 

  • Does the person appear more nervous talking to colleagues/clients?
  • Do they appear more restless?
  • Do they demonstrate more irritability? 

5) Increased outbursts and mood swings

  • Have you noticed more angry outbursts from the person?
  • Are the person’s mood swings more regular? 
  • Have they been flouting rules? 
  • Are they more aggressive/defensive than they used to be? 

6) Avoiding interaction 

  • Is the person not communicating like they once were? 
  • Do they suddenly avoid going out with colleagues?
  • Do they avoid communicating through group calls or even emails? 

Once you believe someone is suffering from a mental health condition, the next stage is to offer support. Although this can seem daunting, Converge has a number of programs and EAP support services to help. Call one of our friendly team on 1300 687 327 to learn more.

Care Anytime, Anywhere

Get in touch today to discuss your needs.

Contact us