One of the most difficult jobs for many supervisors is confronting an employee about problem behavior. You may have to deal with employee absenteeism, tardiness, and conflict with co-workers or suspected substance abuse. You may be aware that an employee is having personal problems that appear to be affecting work performance. The best training cannot prepare you to meet every challenge. Your employee Assistance Program is available to help you to deal with the troubled employee.
When would I use a Formal Supervisory Referral?
- When a work performance problem has been identified and corrective or disciplinary action has been implemented. Usually the referral is made when the Supervisor has counseled the employee but the behavior has not improved.
- When an employee has failed an alcohol or drug test, depending on your employer's policy. Employees may be referred for assessment, referral and case management.
Some common examples of unsatisfactory performance are:
- Inconsistent productivity
- Poor quality of work
- Frequent tardiness
- Excessive sick leave
- Missed deadlines
- Irritability/anger with co-workers or customers
Can I require that an employee go to counseling?
No, EAP counseling, even the Supervisory Referral is voluntary. However, the vast majority of employees referred are compliant and successful in making the needed changes.
How do I make a referral?
You may make an Informal Referral by simply reminding the employee of the service, giving them the phone number and encouraging them to go. This level of referral is usually made when there is a personal problem that is impacting work minimally or is of short duration.
To make a Formal Referral there is a Consultation Form to be filled out and signed by you and the employee plus a Release of Information signed by the employee to allow the EAP counselor to speak with you.
Call EAP Preferred if you have any questions about this process. We are happy to walk you through it. Or go to Supervisory Referrals for a step-by-step explanation.
Doesn't the Formal Referral make more work for me?
It does take time to fill out the form but after that it should make your job easier. Once the form is completed you have documented the problem, the goal and what you have already done to address the problem. You then have an Employee Assistance Professional who will work with the employee on correcting the behavior.
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