How to deal with a coworker who is crying at work

How to deal with a coworker who is crying at workHow to deal with a coworker who is crying at workWhile everyone from Sheryl Sandberg to Steve Jobs has cried at work, its an entirely different situation when you see someone you work with shed tears.So how do you let them know they arent being ignored without encroaching on their personal space? herbeie are a few tips to consider, depending on the situation.When you hear someone crying at their deskThis could be helpful when this happens close to your own desk.L.V. Anderson, former Slate associate editor (now at Digg), features insight from Lily Newman, a former technology reporter for the publication (currently at WIRED), on the site.Newman talks about her experience crying on the job. Her suggestion is featured later in the piecePeople with tears streaming down their faces might not want to get into conversations- but they might feel even worse knowing that everyone can see them crying but is choosing to ignore them. Newman suggests using a chat program to check in with a silently crying colleague in a low-pressure way. Its easier to type than to talk when youre crying, and pinging colleagues online will open the door for them to assure you everythings fine, tell you that they dont want to talk about it, or spill their guts. (If youre not close enough with your colleagues that you chat with them regularly, then youre probably not close enough to inquire into the reasons for their tears.)When an employee cries in front of the entire teamJennifer DeRome (formerly Jennifer Winter), a content strategist, writer, and relationship manager, writes in The Museabout dealing with crying employees as a manager and suggests that you change the scenery when this happensHaving an employee cry in front of the whole team isnt good for the group, and obviously, isnt good for the employee. So, at the first sign of trouble, its a great idea to guide that person to a more private area. A spare office or conference room works grea t, but avoid the bathroom at all costs if you plan on having any sort of discussion with your employee. Its fine if she needs to compose herself, but save the talking for a more professional atmosphere that doesnt involve an echo and running water.When an employee cries over something job-relatedIt happens.Anne Kreamer, author of Its Always Personal Emotion in the New Workplace, tells the Harvard Business Reviewabout how managers can zero in on the work issues when an employee criesThe fruchtwein helpful thing you can do is listen and try to help them solve their work-related concernsIn the most extreme case, it could be necessary to suggest a leave of absence and bring in temporary help.