Confidentiality - drawing the line

Last time we explored how we can overstep boundaries when it comes to workplace mental health. And why maintaining boundaries in this area (mental health generally and simply life) is so tough but vital for psychological safety!

As part of that theme, it’s time to tackle the tricky topic of confidentiality, why it’s so important and challenging, welcome to episode 7 ??

Let's start with a definition, confidentiality is...

the act of keeping sensitive information private and only sharing it with those who have a legitimate need to know

And legal definitions mention 'the express consent of the other party'.

In our relationships in our work and home lives there are so many unwritten rules around trust, confidentiality and integrity, so much we take for granted!

If confidentiality is breached by sharing sensitive information, that trust is generally damaged, sometimes irreparably.

Without trust relationships struggle to function, in the workplace we find it hard to focus and be productive, gossip and resentment breeds. We start to question everything, look for hidden agendas and it fuels grievances and employment tribunals and more besides.

Even where reputations aren't harmed and professional codes violated, the long term damage to confidence and self-worth can be overwhelming.

Sensitive information – handle with care!

Given potentially devastating consequences why aren’t we more careful around sharing sensitive information?

Ever had a friend justifiably upset about being a wronged by a mutual contact, recounting every small detail? And then at some point certain sensitive information not crucial to the story is being revealed and it feels like maybe a line is being crossed?

The next day your friend contacts you, they're concerned they've revealed too much and are checking you won't share anything.

Maybe you've been that friend, either way it's rightly uncomfortable!

So why do we gossip and break confidentiality?

Besides the more extreme malicious intent to cause emotional pain or damage to someone's reputation, there are various factors and evolutionary drivers.

Need for social bonding: Us humans are social animals, gossiping is a way to bond with others. Sharing new information can create feelings of closeness.

Acknowledgement for feeling wronged: As in the friend situation, if we're upset about something there can be an overriding need for that to be acknowledged by people we care about, our emotions can't discern what is appropriate at that point in terms of revealing detail.

Lack of awareness: Often people aren't aware of what info should be kept private or don't consider the consequences. We all have different levels of comfort and boundaries around sharing personal information, because of course we've all had different experiences of how that information has been treated.

Seeking validation and attention: spreading rumours and sharing private info can make people feel knowledgeable and that they're contributing valuable information. It feels good to be 'in-the-know', even boosting self-esteem.

Not a recommended self-help strategy obviously!

Workplace mental health complexity

Competing work stressors and lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities and boundaries are hard enough. And when the stakes are high, knowing how best to proceed with a vulnerable individual who may lack insight, can feel overwhelming.

A need to break confidentiality...

Given crisis situations such as those around suicide, there will be times when we will need to consider breaching confidentiality without an individual's consent.

But it's not just what you do, but how you do it, it's why many of us our so passionate about proper guidance and training.

Helpful or unhelpful?

A favourite training activity of mine are my Helpful/unhelpful cards, because they generate such rich discussions and can be created for so many topics.

Imagine an employee confides they will only tell you about their suicide plans if you promise to not tell anyone. And you say:

“Whatever we say here is confidential”

But in your head you’re thinking you will tell have to tell someone, if you feel they are in danger.

In this mini scenario you don't have all the details, but essentially you're promising confidentiality but know you may need to breach it for safety reasons.

Helpful: You've identified that safety has to come first if the immediate risk increases. Your response is well-meaning and you're encouraging them to talk, in fact the really tricky part here is that you made the promise in the hope they will share vital information.

Unhelpful: is the promising to keep the conversation confidential when you may not be able to as eroding trust may deter them from seeking help later.

We need to be realistic about messy reality

Best practice advises never promising confidentiality, but you're doing your best in the moment in a very human way, it's hard enough for fully trained professionals!

Best practice guidelines

Just to reiterate, boundaries, trust and respect are very important, but keeping them safe is the immediate priority so never promise absolute confidentiality.

Be open with them if you do need to get help, and yes it may upset them. Acknowledge that upset and let them know why you have to, for example...

I’m really sorry that you’re upset, this is too big for us to handle on our own. I need to get help because I care and value your life.

They may not appreciate or acknowledge your decision now or necessarily in the future, but I hear plenty of cases of gratitude down the line. The key is making a decision in good faith and keeping them informed facilitates trust.

Trust your gut If the person says that they haven’t been thinking about suicide or won’t act on it but your gut tells you otherwise, seek help!

Have you come across this excellent Business in the Community toolkit?

It's packed full of workplace guidance and resources and of course general crisis support including the 24/7 Samaritans Listening service.

As ever follow any local workplace procedures though they can be thin on the ground!

Whatever the workplace mental health situation, a good rule of thumb is...

Only information that is necessary and proportionate to share should be shared.

Maintaining confidentiality with workplace mental health situations is crucial for promoting a supportive, respectful, ethical, legally compliant and productive workplace culture.

Prioritise the privacy and confidentiality of employees while seeking the necessary support and resources to manage the situation.

And let's not pretend this stuff is easy!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm passionate about customising Workplace mental health training to acknowledge roles, responsibilities and boundaries to build psychologically safe environments based on the best practice of Prevention, Early intervention and Supporting recovery.

* Subscribe to this Workplace Mental Health newsletter for fortnightly insights*

* Contact me [email protected]

* Follow me Emma Saccomani and my company page