Here’s How to Support a Colleague Even If You Feel Uncomfortable or Don’t Know What’s Wrong

Tough moments. Hard conversations. Raw emotions.

From an emotional standpoint, being a recruiter in a global pandemic hasn’t been easy.

Our team has come face-to-face with the grim reality of an unstable economy and competitive job market. Since we’re on the front lines, we interact with real people who need a job ASAP to support themselves and their families. When someone is struggling to find a job or has a tough interview, we try our best to offer ongoing support to help that person move forward and make the best decision given their circumstances.

We make a point of getting to know our candidates’ backstories. Candidates just like Josh, who recently found his calling after being let go during the peak of the pandemic. Josh recalls, “I was made redundant due to COVID and am the sole breadwinner for my family. Both my parents are very unwell and I have a younger sister at school – I need to support them and drive them to appointments.”

It was imperative we considered Josh’s circumstances and stuck with him all the way through the process until he was hired. If he had no one to lean on, he could lean on us, and gather the confidence to get himself back on his feet.

The truth is you too can make a difference in your workplace or social life by being aware of those around you. If you notice a person who is struggling, say something. Of course, these situations will make you uncomfortable. It’s not easy speaking up and offering help to a colleague or acquaintance. But if we have learned anything from COVID, we’ve learned that a little extra compassion and awareness of people’s struggles can make a massive difference.

Here’s what you can do if you know someone who seems down or just not quite themselves:

1. Check In Frequently

Are you “there” for your mates or colleagues?

Trust your gut. When you see something or hear something that doesn’t seem right, start a simple conversation.

Ask:

• Are you ok?
• How you travelling?
• How’s your job (or job search) going?
• What’s been going on?
• What’s happening?

Get them to open up to you and talk. Then make it your job to really listen.

2. Help Them Set Micro Goals in the Right Direction

Sometimes the tiniest step forward can pull us out of a rut and propel us towards success. Calmly talk to your colleague who is out of sorts and ask what the next step for them might be. You can offer your assistance including helping them find the right person to talk to next, whether that be a family member, HR person, doctor, or therapist.

3. Follow Up

You can feel when someone you know needs help. Asking whether they are ok is a start, but be sure to follow up with them to see how they are doing down the track.

At Uplift Recruitment, we are big on personalized follow-up calls. We contact every candidate to see how each interview went. We check-in with people after they have been placed to make sure they are happy with their new role. We follow up to make sure clients are happy with their new employees.

The point is nothing stays the same. Our emotions and feelings change with the weather so what was good today might not be so great tomorrow. If you know someone going through a tough time, stay in touch. Knowing that someone cares can be the difference.

As recruiters in today’s world, we are highly tuned in to people’s day-to-day struggles. We hear it all. The one thing we can’t stress enough is to be there for the people around you. You never know when your check-in or supportive words could change someone’s day or life. What do you have to lose?

Question: Do you know anyone at work who could use some extra support?