Performance Improvement Plan

[Better Loosen Up]

I am hoping to get some help on here because i believe i am facing an Employment Improvement Plan in the next few days at work.

I have never been in a situation like this before so i have no idea how to go about this.

The main reason why i find myself in this position is because basically the last 12 months has been the most challenging period of my life as things in my personal life have led me to be battling severe anxiety and depression. I have been seeing a psychologist since the start of this year and have recently been put on an extended care plan. I made my work aware of my mental health situation around 7 months ago but no one has even asked me about it since or asked me how i am going.

This has affected my work performance even though i feel i have done everything i can. I have not been taking sick days, stress leave etc. I guess my productivity has dropped because my mind often drifts off and feels clouded. It's hard to explain.

I have no idea what to do and am hopeful for some good advice if possible. It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

Do you have any specific examples of how it has affected you in the workplace, from your employer's perspective? Are you meeting KPIs, hitting deadlines etc or is your output starting to slip?

 

[Better Loosen Up]

I feel that it is my output is starting to slip/ little things being missed due to extra work loads

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

What makes you think you are going to get a PIP? Have you been spoken to by your boss, received a warning recently, etc?

 

[Power Raid]

I am hoping to get some help on here because i believe i am facing an Employment Improvement Plan in the next few days at work.

I have never been in a situation like this before so i have no idea how to go about this.

The main reason why i find myself in this position is because basically the last 12 months has been the most challenging period of my life as things in my personal life have led me to be battling severe anxiety and depression. I have been seeing a psychologist since the start of this year and have recently been put on an extended care plan. I made my work aware of my mental health situation around 7 months ago but no one has even asked me about it since or asked me how i am going.

This has affected my work performance even though i feel i have done everything i can. I have not been taking sick days, stress leave etc. I guess my productivity has dropped because my mind often drifts off and feels clouded. It's hard to explain.

I have no idea what to do and am hopeful for some good advice if possible. It would be greatly appreciated.

feeling vulnerable in the work place or anywhere in life is tough. Can I suggest you lay your cards on the table and explain the issue to your boss?

most people want to help others but they may not know you need help. A good boss, albeit might be a little lost themselves with your discussion at first (which may explain the shut down behaviour), but they will go away and think about how to improve things for them and you.

Make sure you don't just walk in with a problem, think about solutions and ideas of what will help.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

Based on a previous discussion with my boss and a formal meeting set by the HR Manager, i just know.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

Based on a previous discussion with my boss and a formal meeting set by the HR Manager, i just know.

My suggestion (I'm an HR Manager) is to prepare yourself for this conversation. Performance discussions are never easy when discussing areas for improvement, but if you come to the table prepared to listen, with solutions where possible, and take ownership of your own learning and development then the outcomes are much better. As Power Raid said, consider laying your cards on the table regarding your anxiety and depression, if you feel comfortable to do so. Hopefully your boss and HRM are reasonable people who would prefer to work with you and take your situation into consideration.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

My suggestion (I'm an HR Manager) is to prepare yourself for this conversation. Performance discussions are never easy when discussing areas for improvement, but if you come to the table prepared to listen, with solutions where possible, and take ownership of your own learning and development then the outcomes are much better. As Power Raid said, consider laying your cards on the table regarding your anxiety and depression, if you feel comfortable to do so. Hopefully your boss and HRM are reasonable people who would prefer to work with you and take your situation into consideration.

Thanks for your help MEB. It is much appreciated and i will think about the things you have mentioned.

What worries me is that i told them about my situation many months ago and neither of them have even asked me how i'm going in that time. It is like it is being completely ignored. What annoys me a little is there are "r u ok" posters up everywhere, yet even my HR manager, knowing my situation, hasn't even bothered to ask or have a conversation with me to see how i am doing. I don't feel i am being taken seriously.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

What is even more annoying is that i am not even the worst member in my team which my boss has openly admitted.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

Good luck for the conversation and tag or PM me if you want to have a chat/debrief afterwards.

 

[Perth gal]

I think you have done the best you can in a bad situation and i think you should make your bosses aware of this ie you have sought professional counseling. You have not taken days off but have just tried to get through it. Maybe they will offer you some stress leave . Would you be open to that if offered?. Maybe a break may be just what you need.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

I have also been given the opportunity to bring a support person as well but have absolutely no idea of an appropriate person to turn to because i would rather word didn't get around.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

You can take anyone you like, sometimes people bring a friend/family member. Best not to bring someone else employed by the same company.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

I think you have done the best you can in a bad situation and i think you should make your bosses aware of this ie you have sought professional counseling. You have not taken days off but have just tried to get through it. Maybe they will offer you some stress leave . Would you be open to that if offered?. Maybe a break may be just what you need.

I'm not looking for stress leave really, i'm just trying to get on with my life as best that i can. There is always too much that needs doing too.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

You can take anyone you like, sometimes people bring a friend/family member. Best not to bring someone else employed by the same company.

I feel too ashamed to bring anyone and wouldn't want to stress anyone out who is close to me. I feel i stress them out enough already at times.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

I feel too ashamed to bring anyone and would want to stress anyone out who is close to me. I feel i stress them out enough already at times.

There's nothing to be ashamed of. I understand not wanting to take someone with you, though. It's entirely up to you. The support person isn't allowed to speak, anyway.

 

[Perth gal]

I feel too ashamed to bring anyone and wouldn't want to stress anyone out who is close to me. I feel i stress them out enough already at times.

You should never be ashamed of having mental health issues. Would you feel ashamed if you had cancer?. I have anxiety too. But no one will make me ashamed for having it.

 

[CakeEater]

I know MEB_ has probably beaten me to the punch here. Im a HR person as well.

Couple of points from me:
1. Definitely if you can bring a support person, sometimes you can miss something in the conversation that may assist you that your support person may pick up.
2. If you are struggling, lay it on the table in that meeting and make them aware of it. A PIP can flow both ways in that your manager can identify ways they can help you.
3. Lastly a PIP isnt the end of the world. Ive counselled plenty of people with a PIP and they have gone on to progress with an organisation
Good Luck.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

You should never be ashamed of having mental health issues. Would you feel ashamed if you had cancer?. I have anxiety too. But no one will make me ashamed for having it.

Thanks. I am not ashamed of what i am going through mentally. I just feel it is being completely ignored.

My psychologist has put me on an extended care plan but i have to wait 3 months for the referral. In the meantime, i am paying for the sessions.

 

[Illinois Nazi]

All I can suggest is you Better Loosen Up

 

[Perth gal]

Thanks. I am not ashamed of what i am going through mentally. I just feel it is being completely ignored.

Don't worry i got dumped by someone i thought was friend. Meh. I'm better off...some people are &€£% when it comes to being supportive.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

All I can suggest is you Better Loosen Up

Yeah. Thanks!

 

[Perth gal]

All I can suggest is you Better Loosen Up

How about you go and do something useful like post in the winter comfort food thread. I need some ideas.....

 

[Better Loosen Up]

I made Feijoada yesterday! Perfect winter comfort food!

 

[Illinois Nazi]

How about you go and do something useful like post in the winter comfort food thread. I need some ideas.....

Chocolate.