Page Revision: 4/19/2017 4:10:08 PM
Work-Life Toolkit for Managers: Assess
Assessment Tools & Tips
Assess and identify employees' work-life needs through effective communication and the use of appropriate tools.
It is imperative to understand that both men and women employees often feel that there is a stigma associated with expressed needs for work-life solutions. As a manager, you must demonstrate support and create an environment of trust to achieve and strengthen an engaged, high-performing team. A great place to start is simply asking your employees, "What can I do to support your wellbeing?"
Additionally, you should strive to create a flexible environment that maximizes the awareness, availability, and use of all work-life programs among your team. Doing so can empower employees to use available supports and minimize negative workplace impacts.
The following may assist you as a manager to identify needs of your employees:
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General Tips to Assess Your Employees Needs
• Conduct focus group sessions or listening sessions around work-life topics
• Develop or leverage existing surveys that may identify work-life challenges (i.e., Federal Work-Life Survey, Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, climate surveys, etc.)
• Take advantage of routine one-on-one meetings, such as quarterly performance reviews to inquire about individual work-life needs
• Review existing policies, programs, and benefits to determine if they can be modified to better address work-life needs
General Work/Family Challenges
• Missed deadlines
• Less likely to participate in group projects and meetings
• Increased unscheduled absenteeism
• Persistent decreased in performance
• Customer complaints
• Changes in personal behavior
• Coworker complaints
• Indicators of workplace violence, conflicts, or bullying
• Late to work or departing early on a frequent basis
• Receiving or making a high number of personal calls while at work
• Frequently taking unscheduled leave
• Requesting to retire earlier than planned
• Turning down a promotion
• Expressed marital, parental, or family problems
• Expressed concern of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault
Health Challenges
• Symptoms that may be associated with alcohol or substance abuse
• Recent loss of a love one – bereavement
• Signs or expression of anxiety or depression – mental health
• Expressed concerns of overall health status
• Recent birth – (need to meet support breastfeeding needs)
• Recent medical procedure
• Direct or indirect statement about ending one's life
• Noticeable changes in mood or behavior
• Voicing hopelessness or helplessness
Other Personal Challenges
• Expressed legal concerns
• Expressed financial difficulties and challenges
• Borrowing money from coworkers
There is not always a single work-life solution or recommendation that may address an employee’s needs. The goal for a manager is to accurately identify employee work-life needs and potential solutions using appropriate resources and authority. This is accomplished through effective communication, negotiation, and evaluation.
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Please share your thoughts with us about this site and offer any recommendations on how we may improve: worklife@opm.gov