Leader resources for mental health

• First, IDENTIFY the performance/behavior concern: "I've noticed that you have been having difficulty completing your weekly production goals."

• Express CONCERN for the employee: "This isn't typical for you. I'm concerned about you."

• Then, OPEN the floor for them to share: "Is there something you want to talk about?"

• Offer SUPPORT: "Is there something I can do to help you?"

Identifying when a behavior is cause for concern and/or performance issue has developed, which may be the result of an underlying mental health issue, and is critical to facilitating early intervention.

Some signs that may indicate an emerging mental health issue include:

• •Drop in work quality such as increased errors, lapses in memory, procrastination, and missed deadlines
• •Emotional signs, including crying, irritability, and destructive gossiping
• •Withdrawl evidenced by arriving late or leaving early
• •Physical signs such as upset stomach, headaches, tiredness/lethargy

A mental health or EAP referral is typically appropriate when an employee demonstrates a significant negative change in work habits or workplace behavior despite training, coaching, time, and other interventions. The manager can consult with internal resources (e.g., human resources, EAP, etc.) to determine the most effective approach.

Examples may include concerns related to:

•Excessive absenteeism (missing work) or presenteeism (just showing up)

•Personal grooming/hygiene issues

•Interaction with colleagues that are unpredictable, uncivil, or in some other manner destructive to effective collaboration

After consulting with internal resources, the manager can encourage the employee to contact a mental health profressional/EAP to help them address issues that may be having a negative impact on their work.

The following statement, or something similar, can be helpful when making a referral to the EAP: "Amcor has an Employee Assistance Program, which offers confidential support and resources at no cost. I can provide you with the contact information if you would like."