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Unhappy employees?
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February 15, 2000: 12:12 p.m. ET
Changes in behavior might indicate more than a temporary problem
By Jane Applegate
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Dear Jane: I'm worried about a key employee. She used to be energetic, hard working and enthusiastic about work. She dressed well and made a great impression on our clients and customers. Now, her hair is unwashed, she comes in late, leaves early and can't focus on projects. Could she have a problem?
You are right to be concerned about an employee who experiences a major change in behavior. I'm not an expert on substance abuse, but radical behavior and personality changes are sometimes warning signs of a serious chemical dependency problem.
While you can express your concern, be careful about violating an employee's privacy by asking too many personal questions. If this isn't a temporary thing brought on by a death in the family or a romantic break up, I would suggest contacting a labor attorney who can guide you through the process of trying to get some help.
Many big companies have formal employee assistance programs that provide outside counseling services, drug treatment, therapy, etc. But, many small companies can't afford these benefits. Still, compassionate owners can try to help a valued employee through a rough time by referring them to an affordable treatment program or counseling.
(Jane Applegate, a syndicated columnist and the author of 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business, answers your questions here regularly. Readers with questions can e-mail her at:. She will answer questions of general interest in future columns.) 
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