I believe a staff member of mine is genuinely mad - what should I do?

Question

I'm 27, he's 55.

He is starting to really make me doubt his sanity.

He talks to himself. Not just little sentences, or remarks, he has full blown conversations. I would be able to ignore this, but he shouts these conversations very loudly.

He also makes very strange exclamations on an almost minute by minute basis; it's wierd, like blowing through his lips and saying 'phew' at the same time - like a startled dog.

He also walks past my office looking very worried, stops about 15 feet away (I can still see him), makes his exclamation noise, then turns and walks back to his desk and sits down. He'll do this perhaps 10-15 times every hour.

When I get in each morning he launches into massive explanations of trifiling little things, like his latest one this morning; his neighbours guttering - and how he bought 200 feet of guttering, realised it was the wrong size and had to take it all back.

Any suggestions will be greatly recieved.

When I started at the company he was already here.

He seems to be getting worse though.

Answer 1

I used to work with someone a little similar to this, he'd do a few of the things u mentioned above and he'd also sing random lyrics from songs at the top of his voce and run and skid across the office (we had wooden shiny floors at the time). Not only is it incredibly annoying but loads of people just ended up getting the giggles, but bein serious, it doesnt make a good working environment. Maybe you could have a chat to him, it may be nerves with him, when people are nervous or have little confidence it comes out in different ways. It's a tuff situation tho and i wish you all the best xxxxx

Answer 2

You have got to get a grip of the situation. It's obvious that this individual is distracting you from your work and is not concentrating fully on his own. You have a right to find out what the exclamations are about and the only way to do this is to interview him with an independent witness to your questions and his answers. Don't be worried about the age difference (although it might be what's eating at him) you are as much an adult as he is and as his superior have the upper hand. If needs be get the support of others in the office to lodge a formal complaint to your bosses about his behaviour.

The worst thing that you can do is nothing!

Answer 3

It depends upon your place in the food chain. If you are in the middle of the chain then bring your concerns to 'the boss,' perhaps a confidential chat, if that does not work, then go on up the food chain to the next boss - - - most large companies request that you bring concerns such as these to the human resources department - - they are supposed to be equipped to deal with problem employees. If you ARE the boss, then you have to say something to him. No ones actions should disturb co-workers in a sane rational work place. Besides if the man needs help then someone should help him. At this rate he most likely will hurt himself. However if he is the boss then either hunker down and try to cope or quit, you really shouldn't have to work in such an environment.

Answer 4

What Would Dilbert Do?

Seriously he may be medically troubled. You say he is a staff member of yours. Are you his superior? He may be troubled by any number of things, and medical treatment or some sort of support program may be of assistance to him and his quality of life. Maybe he just needs friends and support. I don't know.

Talk with some of your other associates or staff members, and see if they notice anything. He may be targeting you, especially if you are his boss and half his age, and he has underlying problems. If others notice the same behaviors, perhaps you could ask your boss or someone at human resources for guidance.

Honestly, how can he get any work done if he spends so much time near your office doing the things you describe? Begin keeping a journal to protect your own hide.

Also, if he is 55, he may have medical troubles related to agent orange.

Or he may be gaming for medical disability.

I wish the best to all of you.

Answer 5

Yes, people like this suck. You have three options:

1. Develop a massivly evil body odor. This shouldn't be hard, just work out a lot and don't shower. The downside of this is that you will probably lose friends as well.

2. Figure out what annoys him and do it all the time. This is a fair and balanced solution.

3. Start a paper trail and get him fired. This is probably the hardest, but most final solution.

Answer 6

He needs psychiatric help. Get some one he trusts and make him to visit a doctor . He could be having some personal and professional problem needing help. Have you discussed with his close associates. How is the work environment.
What is the retirement age, Can he be given a voluntary retirement scheme?. How bout discussing with his family members about behaviour at home or some thing that causes it.
At the end of it all, if it can not be cured you know"What can not be cured has to be endured"
Best

Answer 7

Sounds like stress to me. The poor guy is nearing his retirement and is probably clinging on by his fingernails. Do you know him outside work? Does he act like this in a different environment?

If this is affecting you (or your work), I'd suggest you take him away from the workplace (invite him for a pint at lunchtime maybe?) and mention it to him, letting him know exactly how its affecting you. He probably doesnt even realise he's doing it.

If it doesnt affect you then leave the poor guy alone, just consider it as one of your workmates idiosyncracies which, lets face it, the daily grind would be a lot more dreary without.

Answer 8

There's a saying: "dogs get mad; but people get angry", so I'm not sure what you're meaning by that guy is "mad". In most larger companies there is a "health" person on staff, see if the company you work has one. You could consult with your Human Resources Department manager (who would know that answer) and let them know what you are experiencing. Here's the kicker: they will solve the problem with this guy, but they will also question as to why it is bothering "you". So maybe this problem is not yours to begin with and you should ignore him.

Answer 9

Is there any way that you can have him sent for a physical check up to be evaluated by a doctor? Perhaps he needs some medication for what sounds like schizophrenia. If he is becoming worse, he definitely needs medical or psychological help. You didn't mention if his job performance is up to par, but if that is falling off, too, it could be an indication of a medical condition. I hope your company is one who provides good health care to its employees, because it sounds like this deteriorating health condition will require medical intervention if this person has any hope recovering his physical and mental health.

Answer 10

Your dad's lady pal's sister? Dang, i'm having a demanding time grasping who that even is to you. lol She would have no reason to get mad at you. I certainly have babysat interior the previous for a chum. i wouldn't in any respect do it returned. the baby became spoiled to the max and that i refuse to maintain a baby that screams, smacks, pulls my hair, and hits me interior the face while she does not get her way. as nicely that that's a lot to hassle-free to be accused of doing something to them. I only does not ever do it returned. And btw, changing a diaper is nearly self explanatory. i does not use that as an excuse. only tell her you do not have the persistence or something. or only be truthful and say NO. i do no longer particularly choose to.