Working through it

How often do employees come to work and perform well, while going through personal trials? Everyday. Recently, I know several people with personal challenges in their life and they have trudged to work regardless of what’s happening at home. The need to keep their job might be a motivator, but how do they stay focused enough to do their jobs well? Do they have such exemplary concentration and focus that makes them so excellence driven, that no matter what, they will come to work and do a good job? I have a friend who is going through a painful divorce, and I see his example every day where he produces excellent work, while I know the struggles of his divorce are taking a toll. He is happy on the outside, while I know he is suffering on the inside. I often wonder how he does it. I have deep respect for those that can push through the personal pain and heartbreak and continue with their careers and not let their jobs suffer. So, how do they do it? Do they check their emotions and problems at the door? There might be a need to focus on other things for awhile, so they throw themselves into their work, as a release. This helps them deal with the problems before and after work. This is very hard to do, but could provide some relief to concentrate on something else for a time. I have used this technique myself a few times.

We all have problems to deal with. Learning how to handle them, hold down a job, and do the job well, is a constant battle. HR professionals need to be mindful and sympathetic toward those who have serious troubles, while at the same time, making sure the job is done well, and co-workers are not affected.