| Be attentive. |
Be ready
to recognize employee problems (e.g., accidents, frequent lateness, mood
swings) that may or may not be related to alcohol or other drug abuse. |
| Observe. |
Focus on
specific aspects of job performance. |
| Document. |
Keep an
ongoing record of the employee’s performance. |
| Focus
on job performance. |
Avoid judging,
diagnosing, or counseling the employee. |
| Be thoughtful |
Stay nonjudgmental
and recognize the employee’s point of view. |
| Be straightforward |
Stick to
the facts of job performance; don’t get sidetracked. |
| Be consistent |
Follow
the same procedures for all employees. |
| Maintain
confidentiality |
Discuss
employee problems in private and keep the discussion between the two of
you. |
| Refer. |
Encourage
troubled employees to seek help from the resources available in the workplace
or the community. |
| Follow
up |
Continue
to assess employee job performance over a period of time. |