In most cases, it should be possible to deal with an employee’s mental wellbeing in the workplace through ordinary management tools such as planning sessions, appraisals or informal chats.

Always be aware that someone may be worried about being judged, or that they will be sacked or removed from their position.  Also, you should be open from the start about how confidential your chat is, and be clear about who else will be informed of it.  You should reassure them that any personal information will be confidential, but that you may need to speak to other members of staff with their consent about certain aspects of it.

You should give someone you are concerned about the maximum opportunity to express their concerns in their own way by asking open questions such as:

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