What types of behaviors should employees be trained to observe?

Employees should be trained to observe behaviors that indicate potential issues affecting an individual's fitness for duty, such as inconsistent performance, signs of distress, excessive absences, and marked personality changes. These behaviors can signal that an employee may be struggling with personal problems or mental health issues that could impact their work performance and safety in the workplace.

By focusing on these behaviors, employees can be more proactive in identifying colleagues who may need support or intervention. This approach not only helps maintain a healthy work environment but also encourages a culture of care and accountability among team members. Recognizing signs of distress or changes in personality can lead to timely assistance, which could potentially prevent larger issues from arising.

Other behaviors, while important, do not necessarily provide the same level of insight into an employee's overall well-being or risk factors that might affect their performance. For instance, uniform compliance and adherence to dress codes, time spent on social media, and attendance and punctuality do not inherently reveal underlying personal or psychological issues that could compromise someone's ability to perform their job effectively. Thus, the focus on more nuanced and potentially impactful behaviors is essential for fostering a supportive work environment.