The Root Of Hornbeam Workplace Wellbeing
One of my absolute best friends lives with a diagnosed mental health condition.
She had been working for a company for about 5 years and really enjoyed her job. She made some great friendships there and was performing really well with great client feedback. Then her line manager got promoted and moved to a different department and a manager from another area of the business was put in a position leading the team she worked in.
When she started at the company, she had fully disclosed her condition to her employer, and it had never been seen as an area of concern in her entire career there. Her new line manager however, did not have the leadership skills or understand of mental illness that her previous line manager had. Goal posts were moved, ways of working changed with no warning, communication or consultation. The instability and pressure began to take it's toll on my friend. It got so bad that in a 1:1 meeting he pushed and pushed on performance and attendance perceived issues until she experienced a severe panic attack and an ambulance had to be called.
Her condition deteriorated quickly, and the symptoms of her mental illness became more severe and she was again hospitalised with symptoms of a stroke. Thankfully she did not have a stroke but the impact that the work situation was having on her mental health was now affecting her physical health.
This was the turning point and she took action and left that organisation.
Unfortunately, her case was not a lone example from this manager, and more individuals came forward. There were no winners in this case with massive impacts for my friends health, the line manager and his career and the repercussions for the organisation. Just another reason why training your line managers in the appropriate way is crucial. I am now pleased to say she is happy, safe, and well and I am extremely proud of how she pulled herself back from this horrific experience and she continues to inspire me every single day.