Remember, a personal problem can quickly become a work problem. Perhaps the employee is unable to stick to a reasonable budget. Maybe unexpected hospital or other expenses have forced the employee to go into debt. Lack of money can be the root of tremendous inner turmoil. This, perhaps more than any other problem, can seem insurmountable at the time.
Marital strife is another common problem.
Friction at home or a feeling of emptiness in a once fulfilling marriage can easily affect job performance. Aging parents or relatives may need help because of declining health or lack of financial resources, and it's often difficult to decide what to do. An employee can suffer from immense feelings of guilt when it is time to make long-term care decisions for a loved one. Alcoholism and drug abuse are major problems affecting job performance. They are progressive illnesses, but they are treatable.