Assignment
Read the Scenario: Something Isn't Quite Right
Liam Murphy was a model employee. He never missed a day of work, he always arrived on time, his performance exceeded expectations, and Liam always gave a helping hand to coworkers. In fact, Liam received the Employee of the Year award five times in the last six years.
Liam's coworkers have noticed that he has not been himself lately. Liam often comes to work late, he hasn't been getting all his work completed, and what he completes is filled with errors. Liam has also been withdrawn. In the past, he cheerfully greeted his coworkers. Now, he barely talks to anyone. Upon arriving at work, Liam goes directly to his office and closes the door. He rarely responds to emails, which is unlike him.
Two coworkers, Belinda and Marcus, discussed the changes they have seen in Liam. Belinda asked Marcus, "Have you noticed that Liam seems unhappy and keeps his distance from us?" She added, "That simply is not the Liam we have come to know and love."
Marcus replied, "Yes, I have noticed the changes, and I'm worried." Scratching his head, he then said, "On occasion, I write email to Liam asking for his advice. He rarely replies."
"Enough is enough. Let's talk to Liam now," Belinda insisted. Marcus agreed and both went to Liam's office. They found Liam staring out the window and he barely acknowledged their presence. Belinda approached Liam and noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath. His eyes were bloodshot.
Belinda gently put her hand on Liam's left shoulder and said, "Liam, Marcus and I would like to talk to you." She added, "You just don't seem to be yourself. Everybody has been whispering about the changes in you."
Liam took a step back from Belinda and said defensively, "Leave me alone. I'm perfectly fine."
"No, Liam. You are not fine," Marcus asserted. He added, "Please, let us help you."
Uncharacteristic of Liam, he screamed, "Get out of my office! Get out of my office right now!" Belinda and Marcus were startled and immediately left Liam's office.
• What do you think is likely to be Liam's problem? What should Belinda's and Marcus' next steps be? How might the use of an employee assistance program help in this situation? What other recommendations would you provide?