1 1 INSTITUTE FOR WORK & HEALTH
• Implementation tip: Do not wait until a worker is taking time off work
or returning to work to express genuine care for their well-being in the
workplace.
• Implementation tip: It takes courage to engage in genuine and caring
communication in the workplace. Make sure you are receiving the
support you need to do so, either via your Employee Assistance Program
(EAP) or through training programs.
• Ensure managers are well equipped to have difficult conversations while
balancing privacy concerns. Managers who are concerned about protecting
workers' privacy may be deterred from offering support and engaging in
caring communication.
• Implementation tip: Empathy training and workshops may be helpful for
your workers.
Ting's manager, Charlene, had been noticing that Ting was not herself lately. She seemed withdrawn and
distracted, and was not taking part in team meetings.
Charlene approached Ting, and told her she had noticed these behaviours. She asked Ting if there was
anything she could do to help Ting if she needed it.
Ting had always been a private person, but she appreciated Charlene's concern. She was surprised to learn
that her change in behaviour had been noticed by others. She told Charlene she was going through some
personal issues, and that she had not known it was affecting her work until now. She thanked Charlene for
her concern.
Although Ting did not wish to receive any further support from her workplace, the conversation motivated
her to seek out treatment for her depression.
Case Study:
A motivating conversation
