When Life Gets Complicated: Navigating Personal Challenges at Work

While adversity often results in some kind of growth, many challenges are painful and exhausting - and yet, most of us need to continue to show up at work even during these hard times.  

Show Notes

The adversity from personal challenges can lead to personal growth, enhancing life appreciation, personal strength, relationships, spiritual growth, and recognizing new life paths. Although painful experiences are something any of us want, many people experience Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).  No one really wants or asks for that gift, but there it is - even at work.  

When we are managing employees in crisis, we can be most helpful by bringing our best in terms of compassion and flexibility. Managers should set a compassionate tone, offer creative solutions, and check in regularly without becoming overly involved or making unfulfillable promises - and even with flexibility remember boundaries. Consistency in treating similar situations among employees is crucial.

Personal crises can impact our work lives - everything from divorce, bankruptcy to illness and death.

During a crisis, brain function is impaired by stress. It's essential to process emotions fully to avoid burnout. Stress perception impacts our functionality: however, viewing stress as a challenge can enhance concentration and performance, while viewing it as a threat increases fear. Key questions to foster a challenge response include identifying control points, specific actions, strengths, and resources.

10 Ways to Function at Work When Your Life is a Mess

1. Vent Wisely: Vent to a friend outside of work, not coworkers.
2. Manage Information: Inform your manager and selective coworkers about your crisis, keeping work as a non-therapy zone.
3. Prioritize Clients: Maintain professional boundaries with clients, sharing minimal personal information.
4. Prioritize Tasks: Make lists of non-negotiable tasks and break them into manageable pieces. Use a timer for focus.
5. Take Personal Days: A productive day off is better than multiple unproductive days at work.
6. Respect Flexibility: Ensure your flexible schedule meets both personal and organizational needs.
7. Utilize Benefits: Leverage Employee Assistance Programs, bereavement leave, etc.
8. Set Boundaries: Establish clear work-life boundaries to manage stress.
9. Seek Help: Enlist support from team, family, or friends to manage life outside of work.
10. Colleague Support: Encourage compassion, flexibility, and regular check-ins without becoming overly involved.

While adversity often results in PTG, leading to renewed life appreciation, enhanced strength, deeper relationships, spiritual growth, and new life directions, we acknowledge that these challenges are painful and exhausting - and yet, most of us need to continue to show up at work even during these hard times.  

Good Reads

10 Ways to Function at Work When Your Life is a Mess

How to work when your life is a mess | Alexandra Samuel

PERSONALITY PROCESSES AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES Rethinking Stress: The Role of Mindsets in Determining the Stress Response | Semantic Scholar

Working Through a Personal Crisis (hbr.org)

How Adversity Makes You Stronger

How to Manage an Employee Who’s Having a Personal Crisis