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Supporting colleagues

As an employee, you’re in a key position to notice mental health and wellness signs that may indicate a colleague needs assistance. You don't need to be a counsellor or therapist to recognize these signs or to connect someone to support resources.

Self-care support

Your health is important, remember to practice self-care. If you feel affected after supporting a colleague, visit the support and resources section on the Get and give help web page.

Privacy and disclosure

To comply with Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), Employees may disclose personal information about colleagues only with their consent or if someone is in danger of harming themselves or others. For more information, contact accessandprivacy@ontariotechu.ca.

Recognize, Engage and Acknowledge, Connect to Help (REACH) guidelines to help colleagues effectively. 

  • Recognize

    Recognize the warning signs that may indicate your colleague needs assistance.

    You may observe:

    • Changes in eating patterns or sleep habits, lack of energy, tiredness, or fatigue.
    • Decreased socialization, performance, or increased procrastination.
    • Irritable, impatient, anxious, or pervasively sad.
    • Regular distraction or inability to focus on tasks.

    Visible signs

    A colleague may demonstrate one or more visible signs:

    • Aggressive or paranoid behaviour.
    • Burn marks, cuts or scars.
    • Change in appearance or personal hygiene,
    • Panic or anxious behaviour.
    • Risky behaviour.
    • Tearfulness or difficulties making eye contact.

    Verbal signs

    Acolleague may have disorganized speech or disclose:

    • Feelings of sadness, hopelessness or helplessness.
    • Thoughts of suicide or harm to others.
    • Traumatic experiences (e.g. sexual assault or bullying).
    • Worries about coping with life stressors.

    Emotional signs

    You might sense something is wrong or notice that your colleague seems withdrawn.

  • Engage and acknowledge

    Acknowledge the warning signs that your colleague displays.

    You may consider reaching out to your colleague if you have a good rapport and feel comfortable meeting them in your office or a neutral space. A colleague may also directly inform you of their challenges. Remember to clear and direct when speaking with them.

    • "I'm concerned about you. I noticed that you've been distracted in our meetings and seem to be having trouble staying focused.  Are you okay?"

    Believe in the importance of empathy.

    Show compassion and display a non-judgmental attitude. Show interest and listen actively by recognizing their feelings. This lets colleagues know that someone cares. Remember to validate what they are going through, do not dismiss how they feel.

    • "It sounds like you have a lot going on right now."
    Tip: Validate what they are going through, do not dismiss how they are feeling.
    • "That would be a (difficult, upsetting, frustrating, ________) situation."

    Discuss options.

    Help your colleagues explore options and discuss potential next steps or solutions. You can also refer them to the university's Employee Assistance Program for further support and resources.

    • "I'd like to support you.  Is there anything I can do to help?"
    • "How about we look at the support options together?"
    • "There are free, confidential services available to all employees."

    Note: Your colleague may decline your offer of help and that’s ok. Respect their decision (except in emergency situations).

    • "I respect your decision, and I'm here if you'd like to talk in the future."

    Follow-up.

    Check-in with your colleague to see how they are doing.

    • "I've been thinking about you and wanted to ask how you're doing.  I'm here if you'd like to talk."

    Remember that you also need to support your well-being. Visit the Get help give help web page for more information.

  • Connect to help

    Visit the Get and give help web page for immediate support and additional resources. For self-directed resources, visit the Self-help resources web page.