Supporting a colleague with a health scare

The share of people in your organisation who face a health situation is bigger than you may think! Some stats say that at any given time, around 1 in 6 people (14.7%) experience mental health problems in the workplace (link).

In my experience, there are ↗️ better and ↘️ worse ways to talk to a team member who experiences a health scare (physical or mental).

Some WORSE ways:

↘️ "If you have the energy to come to work, I feel like you must have the energy to keep on going some more? Also, work helps to distract in such cases."

(Such comments can feel dismissive and underestimate the person's struggles.)

↘️ "I know someone else who had the same issue. And I had a similar thing happen last year."

(While meant to connect, it can make the person feel more isolated in their experience. We turn their unique case into one of many.)

↘️ "You'll get through this!"

(While optimistic, such platitudes may not offer the genuine support they need.)

↘️ "At least it's not [worse condition or situation]."

(Comparing in such a way diminishes their feelings and experience.)

↘️ "Everything happens for a reason."

(Such clichés can feel dismissive and overlook the genuine pain they might be feeling. It also removes agency and encourages resignation.)

Some BETTER ways:

↗️ "I'm truly sorry you're going through this."

(Express genuine empathy without making assumptions and offering unasked advice.)

↗️ "I admire your strength and resilience and the way you show up everyday."

(Acknowledge their endurance without added conditions.)

↗️ Offer specific help with tasks: "Let me handle the presentation prep for next week. What's important to you?"

(Proactively offer support, get their advice, take them seriously.)

↗️ Regularly check-in: "I just thought of you. Just wanted to see how you're doing today."

(Show consistent concern without prying.)

↗️ Encourage open communication: "What kind of of schedule adjustment would make things easier in this time?"

(Create an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their needs.)

↗️ Invite their ideas: "What kind of support would help you get through this?"

(Invite their thinking.)

Connecting first in such moments builds long-term trust. Our words matter!

Have a good week ahead!