Mental Health Problems are Management Problems: Exploring the Critical Role of Managers in Supporting Employee Mental Health

Published In

Organizational Dynamics

Document Type

Citation

Publication Date

7-2019

Abstract

Imagine finding one of your employees, doubled over, gasping for air, clutching her chest? She is in visible pain and can barely speak. As her manager, what do you do?

Most managers would try to help—they would call an ambulance, administer first aid, and wait with the employee until help arrives. In the days and weeks following the event, you and your employer might offer sick leave, provide temporary accommodation for the employee, and possibly ask the employee what the workplace can do to aid her recovery.

But what if you found one of your employees, sitting at his desk, with his head in his hands, sobbing? He is also in visible pain and can barely speak. As his manager, what do you do?

Most managers would do nothing—not because they do not want to help, but because they do not know how to help.

Description

© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI

10.1016/j.orgdyn.2018.11.003

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/30404

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