Ask Abi...

Blue Stream Academy team member, Abi, is here to answer your questions and give advice to our readers.

Q

Dear Abi,

I wondered if you could help me. We have an employee in our practice who has been with us for around two years and has excelled in everything we have asked of them so far. They have had a great attitude towards work, and always helped others out when they have needed it. However, recently, this individual’s attitude has changed.

They turn up to work late in the mornings, overstay their morning and lunch breaks and don’t put their full effort into daily tasks – they’re often found on their mobile phone during work hours.

How do I broach the subject in the correct manner and get the individual back on the right track?

Thank you.

A

Dear Reader,

Thanks for your letter. I understand how frustrating it can be when someone who usually does well is underperforming. To approach these issues in the correct way, I’d suggest taking the following steps:

1. Invite the individual to a one-to-one meeting to discuss the matter. Make the employee aware of the consequences should they continue their behaviour and enquire about why their mood has altered. Try to find the root cause of their change in attitude. If this is something that can be sorted out through work, discuss the options to remedy this.

2. Hopefully, that will get the employee back on the right path. But if their behaviour continues to affect their performance, follow your organisation’s disciplinary policy in a professional manner until the matter has been resolved.

I hope this helps!

Abi

Abi Bowler

Events & Media Manager

If you have a question or problem and would like some advice, please feel free to contact Abi via email at: bsatoday@bluestreamacademy.com