Mary has been exhibiting strange behaviors and actions in the workplace

Mary has been exhibiting strange behaviors and actions in the workplace

Mary has been exhibiting strange behaviors and actions in the workplace. Her performance at work has been deteriorating, and at some point, she showed cases of lateness and disorderly. This can be either related to alcohol, drug abuse, or depression caused by family problems back at home. One of the challenges Hellen faces is that she does not know what the problem is with mary hence making it challenging to identify the root of the problem. The Labors act prohibits the consumption of alcohol and any related drugs during office working hours.

Furthermore, it states that if the consumption of such substances contributes to reduced performance and misconduct, then the employer can dismiss and terminate the contract without facing legal issues. In this scenario, we saw mary portraying drunkness behaviors in one of the afternoons if proven she has been under the influence of alcohol, and she may face dismissal due to misconduct, and the law shall protect the employer. Therefore the risk of mary losing her job is high even if Hellen decides not to investigate and bases her argument on drug abuse.

The employee assistance program is a fringe benefit enjoyed by workers in an organization. The main objective is to assist and guide employees who are experiencing personal, health, mental, and related issues that contribute to their underperformance in an organization.EAPs commonly offer counseling and guidance services.

Helen could explain the importance of the program to mary in detail and encourage her to keep participating. She could also encourage fellow employees not to distant themselves from mary as this would lower her self esteem and demotivate her. She could also make mary feel how crucial she is to the organization; this includes inviting her to essential meetings, take part in decision making, and even giving her leadership roles. These actions would give mary a sense of responsibility.

Hellen should give a disclaimer to Mary that if she does not improve her performance, then the chances of her losing the job will high. Also if she does not take the program seriously, she may face the same consequences

Alternatively, an annual leave would be necessary for Mary. They minimize stress and reduce fatigue in employees. This might help her relax her mind and evaluate herself. It is also an excellent opportunity for her to weigh her decisions; that is whether she shall resume her work or submit a voluntary resignation. It might also help her deal with any personal and home problems that she has been experiencing.

The main task of a supervisor is to oversee the performance of his/her junior. It is not her role to solve the personal experiences that his/her subordinate is experiencing. They help the employees achieve their goals by aligning them to their objectives. Sometimes employees may be driven by outside work issues, which in general affects their performance hence the need of managers to come in and assist them voluntarily. They may also share their career journies with them. Managers should also set policies that may help employees balance work and personal life.

Hellen should have acted faster the moment she noticed a change in Mary’s character. She would have approached Mary and inquire if she was facing any challenge. Since it did not happen, her performances in work reduced, and she opted to drug abuse for consolation,Hellen should have advised mary to join the program as earlier as possible. Based on the above scenario, managers and supervisors should create channels that enable them to share their views, experiences, and personal problems openly. This is a huge step as it  creates a Rapoon between the two parties