A major responsibility of good management is effective counseling.  Occasionally, employees will feel insecure, overwhelmed and unappreciated.  We strongly support spending time to discuss such matters with the employees.  However, if it is a serious personal problem that goes beyond the scope of work, refer the employee to a local social service agency.  A manager’s concern and encouragement is valuable, but it is inappropriate to try and help with problems best handled by professionals. 

If it is a work-related problem, try and resolve it through open discussion with the employee.  It is important to document the discussions had with employees.  Each discussion should result in clear expectations of what the necessary next steps are that need to be taken, who should take those steps, when they should be taken and when to meet to check on progress. (Form Employee Relations.1, “Confidential Employee Counseling Log")