CHAPTER 15

When You’re Worried About a Colleague

by Amy Gallo

Your usually dependable colleague is missing deadlines, failing to get their work done, disappearing for long periods of time, or suddenly prone to outbursts and other erratic behavior. You may wonder what exactly is going on. Could it be anxiety, depression, or something else? How do you address what’s happening—and should you? How can you be a caring colleague without trying to play the role of psychologist?

What the Experts Say

It’s very likely that you work with someone who has a mental health issue. And because most conditions are moderate and can be treated effectively, people who are afflicted still go to the office. “In our society, people work through illnesses. They show ...

Get HBR Guide to Better Mental Health at Work (HBR Guide Series) now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.