Three Ways You Can Accommodate Struggling Employees

When an employee or a group of employees are struggling to meet the expected performance standards, it can lead to various issues. It is even more challenging when the reasons behind their underperformance are unclear. Such situations can cause stress for the management, the employees in question, and the rest of the team who are impacted by their work. However, the good news is that there are ways to help your employees improve their work performance while also strengthening your relationship with them.

Acknowledge The Issue 

To help a struggling employee, it is essential to uncover the root cause of their problem. The first step is to identify the issue by observing whether the team member works fewer hours, needs more focus, or exhibits decreased critical thinking skills and ambition. Once you have identified the problem, the next step is to ask why it is happening. There could be various reasons for this, ranging from changes in the employee’s personal life to disappointment over a missed promotion at work. Once the source of the problem is identified, you can develop practical solutions that will address the issue in the long term.

Be Transparent 

When an employee’s work quality starts declining, it is essential to have a conversation with them. Although it may not be pleasant, this conversation is critical for the employee’s success. During the discussion, it is important to convey that you are not trying to pry into the employee’s personal life, but you need to know what is happening. It is possible that the employee needs to be made aware that their work quality is declining, and this conversation can be an opportunity to offer candid feedback to help them improve.

It is essential to listen to the employee without judging or responding immediately. Empathize with them and try to understand the situation. It is vital to note that the reason for an employee’s lack of effort is usually not laziness. There could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. 

Is There A Problem Outside Of Work?

To help struggling employees, it is crucial to determine whether the issue is internal or external. If the problem is internal, it is recommended to approach the situation with creativity, honesty, and a willingness to work through it together. However, if the problem is external, you may only be able to solve it partially, but you can support your employees while they are at work. Creating a positive work environment and helping them focus on their tasks can be beneficial. 

Establishing a culture of openness in your workplace and addressing issues before they escalate is important. This can lead to increased productivity, higher levels of job satisfaction, and a stronger relationship between you and your employees. If you need high-quality employees, don’t hesitate to contact First Team Staffing.

Let First Team Staffing Be Your Employment Solution

First Team Staffing, located in Baltimore, MD, specializes in the recruitment and placement of professional and temporary workers. The company, founded in 1982, is now a national leader in our industry. In our 40-plus years of business, First Team has remained hands-on, relationship-based, and dedicated to our partnerships with our clients. We are proud to help our clients achieve their goals by providing them with a flexible and qualified workforce while providing genuine career opportunities to candidates. First Team Staffing has offices in Baltimore, Aberdeen, White Marsh, Columbia, Bowie, and Sparrows Point, MD. We have recently opened offices in Tennessee and Florida, located in Nashville, La Vergne, Mount Juliet, and Tampa. Visit us online or in person today to start your job or employee search, or reach us by phone at 410-719-0404. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for employment advice and company updates.