5 Tips For Handling A Personal Crisis At Work


A personal emergency can, unfortunately happen at any time. Maybe your child needs to go to urgent care, maybe you just found out a parent passed away, or even you just dealt with something terrible t at home the night before and you’re sitting at work all torn up. There could be multiple reasons for what you’re currently feeling and what you’re currently having to go through. Work isn’t a place where you should be when you’re trying to process and handle this type of situation. While it’s true you shouldn’t bring your problems and emergencies into the workplace but since you spend a long stretch of each day doing your job, it can’t always be avoided. 

Understand that you need to create a separation
It’s not going to be easy but it’s important to try to maintain and keep a separation between your personal life and your work life. Sharing details about your personal life at work might not seem like a big deal but it can blur the lines between being professional and personal. And a personal crisis is likely a situation you don’t want to get your coworkers involved and it’s also something that they shouldn’t know about. If you’re going to be dealing with something that’s considered a long-term crisis then it’s especially important to create that separation.

Speak with your employer
It’s important to inform and speak with your employer as soon as possible when you find out about a major crisis that you have to deal with. This can be the type of situation that may heavily affect you and possibly your ability to do your job properly.  Your boss needs to know so they can anticipate this. Depending on the situation, employers will offer some latitude and may even provide help. If this personal crisis that you’re dealing with is going to affect your performance, energy, availability, or just your work all around, then your employer has a right to know.

Don’t give every detail
It’s important to provide your colleagues and your clients with a general idea about the situation. It doesn’t mean you have to tell them what is wrong but it does mean that you should inform them of any schedule changes that are may result from any absence when you're dealing with your crisis. It’s important to be considerate and think of others such as coworkers as you don’t want them to carry too much of the work that you should have been doing. If you have a trusting relationship with your teammates then let them know that this is a private matter that you would prefer doesn't get spread around the office.

Look into taking time off
Sometimes, it’s best to just take some time off if you’re able to. This gives you the chance to properly take care of any pressing matters that need to be taken care of. This also gives you the time to try to gain a sense of perspective as well as address any issues in your personal life that you've been putting off. If you take time off, you may consider looking into seeing a therapist help you get through this dark time.

Look into a work-from-home arrangement
Just being away from the work environment can be good for you, even if you still want to continue working. This provides an opportunity you to process, grieve in peace or sort out things without having to deal with the pressures of work or prying coworkers at the office. Working remotely still gives you the chance to increase your productivity while being able to work through your personal crisis.

This is a contributed post.
Photo: Toteme

4 comments

Jackie Harrison said...

I thank god I had not got any sign but this is helpful when that day comes.

Pilar said...

I think these are great tips for handling a personal crisis at work. Trying to remain calm can really help put things into perspective.

R's Rue said...

Great tips my friend. Thank you so much for sharing

Ivana Split said...

great tips