Episode 580 How to Help a Coworker or Employee in Distress: Part 2

The Dr CK Bray Show

You walk into the office or log on to your morning meeting, and something feels off. One of your most reliable team members is distracted, quiet, and not meeting expectations. You wonder if you should say something… but you don’t want to overstep. You’re not a therapist. What if you say the wrong thing?

In this episode, Dr. Bray explores what managers should do when they notice signs of emotional distress in an employee. Inspired by the Harvard Business Review article “Helping an Employee in Distress” and grounded in real-world psychology, this conversation will give you the language, mindset, and confidence to lead with both care and clarity.

You will learn:

• How to recognize red flags without becoming intrusive

• What to say when you notice something is wrong

• How to respond with empathy while protecting healthy boundaries

• What research tells us about listening, validation, and psychological safety

• How one manager’s simple conversation helped turn around a difficult situation

You will hear stories similar to Jordan's, a creative lead known for his big ideas and positive energy. When he started arriving late and keeping his camera off in meetings, his manager, Taylor, gently checked in. That five-minute conversation revealed that Jordan was quietly navigating burnout and family stress. Taylor did not try to solve it, but she listened, offered support, and pointed him to resources. That small moment of connection helped Jordan feel seen and gave him the space to get back on track.

This is not about having all the answers. It is about knowing how to open the door and walk alongside your people when it matters most.

Tune in and learn how to support your team through challenging moments without compromising performance, professionalism, or humanity.

QUOTES BY DR. BRAY

"Empathy is not about offering sympathy, but about being committed to fully understanding someone's experience."

"Cognitive reframing is a process of replacing unhelpful thoughts with a more realistic and balanced view of a situation."

"Even a 5 to 7 minute conversation can really change things."