Defining Diversion and Impairment

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 1 views

Understanding the Importance of Employee Behavior

In today's fast-paced work environment, it's not uncommon for employees to exhibit behaviors that may raise concerns about their diversion or impairment potential. These behaviors can have a significant impact on productivity, job satisfaction, and overall work performance. As an employer, it's essential to recognize the signs of diversion or impairment and take proactive steps to address them.

Defining Diversion and Impairment

Diversion refers to the act of diverting one's attention or focus away from work-related tasks, often due to personal or external factors. Impairment, on the other hand, refers to a state of reduced physical or mental ability, often due to substance abuse or other health-related issues.

Common Behaviors Indicative of Diversion or Impairment

The following behaviors may indicate diversion or impairment potential:

A. Excessive Tardiness, Unscheduled Absences, or Used Sick Days

Excessive tardiness: Consistently arriving late to work, often without a valid reason, can be a sign of diversion or impairment. This behavior can disrupt the workflow, impact team productivity, and create unnecessary stress for colleagues.
Unscheduled absences: Taking unscheduled days off without prior notice or approval can indicate a lack of commitment to work or a personal issue that's affecting job performance.
Used sick days: Excessive use of sick days, especially when not accompanied by a valid medical reason, can suggest that an employee is using their sick leave for personal reasons or to avoid work-related responsibilities.

B. Frequent Disappearances from the Work Area

Frequent disappearances: Regularly disappearing from the work area, even for short periods, can be a sign of diversion or impairment. This behavior can disrupt the workflow, impact team productivity, and create unnecessary stress for colleagues.
Lack of focus: Failing to maintain focus on work-related tasks, often due to personal or external factors, can indicate diversion or impairment.

C. Comes to Work When Not Scheduled

Unscheduled work hours: Arriving at work outside of scheduled hours, often without prior notice or approval, can indicate a lack of commitment to work or a personal issue that's affecting job performance.

Why These Behaviors Matter

Recognizing and addressing diversion or impairment potential is crucial for maintaining a productive and healthy work environment. These behaviors can lead to:

Decreased productivity: Diversion or impairment can significantly impact an employee's ability to complete tasks, meet deadlines, and contribute to team goals.
Strained relationships: Excessive tardiness, unscheduled absences, or frequent disappearances can create tension and conflict among colleagues, ultimately affecting team dynamics and morale.
Increased stress: Diversion or impairment can lead to increased stress levels, not only for the employee but also for their colleagues, who may need to pick up the slack or deal with the consequences of their absence.

Addressing Diversion or Impairment Potential

If you suspect that an employee is exhibiting diversion or impairment potential, it's essential to address the issue promptly and professionally. Here are some steps to take:

Document incidents: Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, and details of the behavior.
Talk to the employee: Schedule a private meeting with the employee to discuss your concerns and provide feedback.
Develop a plan: Work with the employee to develop a plan to address the issue, which may include counseling, training, or other support services.
Monitor progress: Regularly monitor the employee's progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Conclusion

Recognizing diversion or impairment potential in the workplace is crucial for maintaining a productive and healthy work environment. By understanding the common behaviors indicative of diversion or impairment and taking proactive steps to address the issue, employers can create a positive and supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being and success.

References

[1] American Psychological Association. (2020). Workplace stress.
[2] Society for Human Resource Management. (2020). Employee absenteeism and presenteeism.
[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). The science of drug use and addiction.

Additional Resources

[1] Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources
[2] Substance abuse treatment and counseling services
[3] Mental health resources and support services
Frequently Asked Questions: Diversion or Impairment Potential in the Workplace ====================================================================

Q: What is diversion or impairment potential in the workplace?

A: Diversion or impairment potential refers to behaviors or conditions that may indicate an employee's ability to perform their job duties is being compromised due to personal or external factors.

Q: What are some common behaviors indicative of diversion or impairment potential?

A: Some common behaviors indicative of diversion or impairment potential include:

Excessive tardiness or unscheduled absences
Frequent disappearances from the work area
Comes to work when not scheduled
Excessive use of sick days
Lack of focus or productivity
Changes in behavior or mood

Q: How can I recognize diversion or impairment potential in my employees?

A: To recognize diversion or impairment potential in your employees, look for changes in behavior or performance that may indicate a problem. Some signs to watch for include:

Changes in attendance or punctuality
Decreased productivity or performance
Changes in behavior or mood
Increased absenteeism or tardiness
Difficulty completing tasks or meeting deadlines

Q: What should I do if I suspect an employee is exhibiting diversion or impairment potential?

A: If you suspect an employee is exhibiting diversion or impairment potential, it's essential to address the issue promptly and professionally. Here are some steps to take:

Document incidents and keep a record of the behavior.
Talk to the employee and provide feedback on their behavior.
Develop a plan to address the issue, which may include counseling, training, or other support services.
Monitor the employee's progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Q: How can I support employees who are struggling with diversion or impairment potential?

A: To support employees who are struggling with diversion or impairment potential, consider the following:

Offer counseling or therapy services to help employees address underlying issues.
Provide training or education on stress management, time management, and other skills that can help employees manage their workload.
Encourage employees to take breaks and practice self-care.
Offer flexible work arrangements or accommodations to help employees manage their workload.

Q: What are some resources available to help employees struggling with diversion or impairment potential?

A: Some resources available to help employees struggling with diversion or impairment potential include:

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Substance abuse treatment and counseling services
Mental health resources and support services
Online resources and support groups

Q: How can I create a supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being and success?

A: To create a supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being and success, consider the following:

Foster an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable coming to you with concerns or issues.
Encourage open communication and feedback.
Provide resources and support services to help employees manage stress and other challenges.
Promote work-life balance and flexible work arrangements.
Recognize and reward employees for their hard work and contributions.

Q: What are some best practices for addressing diversion or impairment potential in the workplace?

A: Some best practices for addressing diversion or impairment potential in the workplace include:

Documenting incidents and keeping a record of the behavior.
Talking to the employee and providing feedback on their behavior.
Developing a plan to address the issue, which may include counseling, training, or other support services.
Monitoring the employee's progress and adjusting the plan as needed.
Providing resources and support services to help employees manage stress and other challenges.

Conclusion

References

[1] American Psychological Association. (2020). Workplace stress.
[2] Society for Human Resource Management. (2020). Employee absenteeism and presenteeism.
[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). The science of drug use and addiction.

Additional Resources

[1] Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources
[2] Substance abuse treatment and counseling services
[3] Mental health resources and support services