A recent article in the Guardian drew attention to concerns about increasing numbers of GP’s and social workers reporting symptoms of compassion fatigue. That is a decreased in their ability to empathise and connect with patients, feeling emotional numbness, or detachment and a sense of being overwhelmed by the job demands.

However it is not only GP’s and social workers who report feeling overwhelmed by the demands of the job,  managers in all types of organisations can feel too exhausted to be sympathetic or understanding when presented with employees, “personal problems“  that are impacting on their performance at work. Problems ranging from poor time keeping and absenteeism to missed  deadlines and error strewn work. The typical reaction of a harassed manager is to take a ridge and often harsh response.

I was at a training event for managers where this issue was raised. A number of managers took the view that employees should,” leave their personal problems at the factory gates”. And that managers should not have to get involved and HR should take a tougher line on absenteeism and competence issues. Some advocated a 3 strikes and your out policy.

The trainer asked those advocating such an approach what they would do if one of their best workers suddenly had erratic attendance and appeared distracted and unable to concentrate to such an extent that their work was suffering? Would they seek an expiation? Would they be willing to cut the individual some slack in view of their past exemplary work record or would they treat everyone the same irrespective of their circumstances and past record? Meaning a third absence whatever the reason and it’s automatic dismissal.

The long term solution to compassion fatigue is not HR guidance to encourage a more flexible and sympathetic approach to  employees problems such as changes  in child care arrangements, support for an elderly relative , debt , alcohol and drug abuse, although this may help managers in the short term. The long term solution is to recognise the symptoms  of compassion fatigue are similar to those of stress and burnout and have a common cause unrealistic expectations, unreasonable demands, excessive workloads, inadequate resources, overlong working hours, a blame culture and the tone set by senior management.