Colleagues

The person who has been off work may have been the source of gossip or conjecture. Make sure that any information you share about them is appropriate and that you have their permission to do so.

Try to be aware of the effect of absences on:

  • workloads
  • attitudes
  • the emotional health of the rest of the team - including managers.

Everyone’s mental health and wellbeing matters, but think about the impact of this on workplace relationships, too.

Colleagues might also not know what to say due to fear of getting it wrong.

Encourage colleagues to be themselves and be authentic, but kind.

Remind them mental health is still health.

If they are unsure what to do or say, ask how they would act if it was physical health?