Stop Saying This!

Managers and HR Directors:

Stop saying "Take all the time you need..." to someone that is going through a disruptive life event.

Because you don't mean it.

And it introduces uncertainty about time horizons (could I take a year off if I needed to? Is a month too long?)

And it takes the onus off of you to follow-up

Instead, try this turn of phrase, "Take the next week (or month) off. Don't answer the phone or emails. I will follow-up with you (insert date here) to check in and see how you are doing.”

This provides clarity and gets a date on the calendar to make sure you are providing ongoing support.