The Hidden Health Issue?
If a member of your domestic or household staff ask for time off to go to a doctor, what is your reaction?
Do you, say, take the time out of your holiday pay? Do you say yes they can take the time off? Do you wonder why they need to see a doctor? Maybe they look fit and well, do you feel you can or should ask why?
The first item is a matter of your own rules, and possibly their contract of employment.
But what about the issue of asking?
If the question is proceeded by, “Yes of course, but is there something we/I can help with? Then it is less likely to be seen as an intrusion.
And if the employee appears fine it further raises the issue of why.
It may well be, in these difficult Covid-19 times, that the problem is mental health.
According to recent figures, requests for GP sick notes have soared by a huge 78%, importantly over half – 52% involved mental health issues such as: depression, stress and anxiety. These figures illustrate the toll the pandemic is taking on us all.
Perhaps an understanding approach will go a long way to retaining the staff you value.
The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.
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