Identifying the Troubled Employee

A "troubled employee" is an employee who is demonstrating a pattern of declining job performance as a result of personal or medical problems. The following are some performance problems to watch for:

•	Absenteeism
•	Tardiness
•	Accidents/disregard for safety procedures
•	Confusion
•	Reduction in the quantity or quality of work
•	Blaming others
•	Problems with co-workers or complaints from others
•	Irritability/mood swings
•	Lower morale/excessive complaints
•	Increased mistakes/easily distracted
•	Increased personal use of phone
•	Errors in judgment

Knowledge about an employee’s problems is not nearly so important as the knowledge of the specific steps to take when an employee’s work performance is impaired.

•	Recognize that a problem exists (performance based and not a diagnosis of a personal problem).
•	Document in a timely and objective way. If no documentation exists, poor performance legally did not happen.
•	Act by meeting with the employee; discuss the problem and outline disciplinary action.
•	Refer to PERFORMA for intervention.
•	Reintegrate the employee into the workplace once help has been sought.

If a supervisor works at a PERFORMA contract company and needs a supervisory consultation, they should call PERFORMA before meeting with the employee.

•	Tips for Making EAP Referrals
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