Anorexia and the Workplace: An Update

Due to the importance of this topic, I am departing from my usual format to bring you an update on "Charlie," the employer with the anorexic employee discussed in my previous article, "Anorexia and the Workplace ." After reading the article, and doing considerable research of his own, Charlie seems to have the situation well under control. Below is the body of an email he recently sent me.

Thank you so much for your e-mails. I wanted to let you know what I have learned about dealing with the situation and what has transpired with the person I originally wrote about.

First, I don't think my situation is unique. Any manager paying attention to his/her employees should be aware of a variety of health problems, including anorexia. Recognizing is not the problem.

Second, a manager--or any human being for that matter--HAS to address the person if there is a question of anorexia (or alcoholism, or whatever). The real difficulty lies in HOW to approach the person. The HOW question is very intimidating, and I'm sure has caused many casual friends and acquaintances to leave concerns unexpressed.

In my situation, my company has an excellent health plan, and I have the luxury of allowing the person time off, if necessary, to get medical treatment. I suspect I am very fortunate in this regard.

My approach has been to quietly express concern for the person's health in a general and non-threatening way. I let her know that any time off she may need to get medical treatment can be accommodated. At the same time, I believe it is important to provide encouragement and support above and beyond what I might otherwise do. I have tried to be perfectly clear that her job performance is excellent, and that I want her to remain healthy for her sake and mine. Finally, I have aggressively solicited the support of my supervisor and my human resources person. My human resources person has been the best person to address her thus far in the most meaningful dialog. So far so good, but I know this is not going to be solved quickly.

Maybe it's my imagination, but I think she is eating more, looks better, and is in good spirts. She is also seeing a doctor regularly.

Way to go, Chuck. Keep up the good work.

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