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I think that my co-workers feel that I am not carrying my weight since I started caring for my mother two months ago. Should I talk to them about it?

Last Updated: April 09, 2008

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Open communication with co-workers is essential in any work environment and should be encouraged. You may want to start the conversation by indicating that the last two months have been difficult for you since your mother became ill. It may help to recognize the possibility that you may not have been giving your full attention to work lately, but that does not limit your commitment to your job. Consider your recent behaviors from the perspective of your co-workers before approaching conversations. Disclose how caring for your mother is affecting you and your desire to be a good co-worker. This will open the door for more sharing and may allow you to create solutions for productivity issues raised and a plan of action on how to deal with crises that may occur in the future with your mother.

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