By David Sanders

      One of the toughest things about being a business owner is managing employees when they have problems outside the workplace. Some employees seem to be plagued with many more trials and tribulations than others, whether they are manifested in addictions, chronic illnesses, family strife, depression, anxiety or any other situations that affect work performance and productivity.

      But it’s much more than lowered productivity. When you own a small business, your employees are your family; and when an employee is hurting, the whole family hurts with him or her. On the positive side, there are few things that bring more satisfaction and joy to business owners than having members of the business family who are happy and successful both inside and outside of the workplace. And, watching an employee conquer a major challenge and come out better for it is somewhat akin to the pride a parent feels.
     
Resiliency
      The key factor separating those with challenges who continue to cope and perform well from those who don’t is resiliency. Instead of feeling out of control, resilient people take on the challenges that come and rather than feeling helpless, they become empowered and appreciate their accomplishments.

      This is really the key to how small business owners can work with employees who are having problems outside of the workplace. You can help your employees to increase their resiliency by empowering them to help themselves. Then, follow through with support from the heart. Sometimes all people really need is to know that someone else cares; that there is someone to reassure them that everything is going to be all right.

      There are really only two options employers have for helping employees: help individuals make personal changes, or improve the organization’s wellness culture.

      Unless the employee directs the change and assistance is requested, forcing change on an individual is counterproductive. But providing a healthy, supportive work environment can help employees handle the ups and downs of life.

Health and Wellness
      “Health and productivity programs” or “wellness programs” have become buzzwords in larger businesses and, to a lesser extent, in small businesses. It is generally thought to be much easier for larger companies to implement programs than it is for smaller companies. That is because these programs often are equated with on-site health clubs and other components too costly for small businesses. But companies of all sizes have created very successful programs within their budgets, and realized sizeable return on those investments. The success of a program doesn’t depend on how much money you spend, but rather on how much it will empower each employee to be able to make their lives better in their own unique ways.

      Our country’s health care system has concentrated primarily on the treatment of disease and injury.

      Health is not just about keeping bad things from happening; it’s about making great things happen. True wellness entails much more than physical health.

      A survey of 10,300 employees in four nations by the Institute for Health and Productivity Management showed the five work-related qualities that employees desire most were:

• Balancing work and personal life
• Doing work that is enjoyable
• Having security for the future
• Receiving good pay or salary
• Having enjoyable coworkers

      With empowerment-based and resiliency-based programs at the workplace, your employees can take on challenges knowing that their company is behind them with all of the support and patience needed to help them achieve their goals.

David Sanders is founder of Wellness Consumer Builders, an integrative health and productivity management company. You can reach him at or (816) 235-6073.