Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that impacts interpersonal relationships, performance, and team dynamics in the workplace. However, individuals with BPD can excel professionally when they have access to the right support systems.
Professional success for people with BPD often hinges on working for a company or boss who understands their condition. When leaders know how to manage borderline personality disorder in the workplace, they can create a healthy environment where everyone thrives — they’re also helping to reduce the discrimination and mental health stigma at work.
Read on as we explore how supporting employees with BPD will foster a productive work environment.
Understanding the impact of borderline personality disorder in the workplace
Effectively managing an employee with borderline personality disorder starts with understanding the condition — including how it manifests and the impact it has on workplace dynamics. BPD can affect work performance, relationships, and general employee well-being. There are several traits specific to BPD that have the potential to influence workplace dynamics.
Emotional reactivity
People living with BPD often have intense emotional responses to stress. For example, in a work setting, constructive feedback might be viewed as harsh or unnecessary criticism that leaves someone with BPD feeling inadequate or highly distressed.
Splitting
BPD splitting is a term used to describe a tendency to see situations, people, or events through an extreme lens. People with BPD might interpret things in a very black-and-white manner.
“Splitting, in its simplest form, is seeing things or people categorically as all good or all bad. This defense mechanism, consciously or subconsciously, categorizes situations and people in an all-or-nothing scope. For example, one might sing high praise of someone then pivot to excluding that same person because they’re suddenly now “all bad,” “unworthy,” or “not belonging,” which, of course, can cause inevitable divisions or tension in any work climate.” - Talkspace therapist Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
These polarized perceptions are common in BPD and can cause significant tension among teams, coworkers, and leadership, creating unstable relationships at work.
Unstable self-image
A hallmark symptom of BPD is a fluctuating sense of self-worth that causes employees to oscillate between extreme levels of confidence and intense self-doubt. It can make decision-making and task execution incredibly challenging. It can also make it difficult to advocate for or communicate professional needs.
Poor concentration
Emotional distress can interfere with focus and concentration in people with BPD and make it hard to complete tasks efficiently and correctly. Although recognized as a symptom, poor concentration can be misinterpreted as a lack of effort or motivation, particularly in a professional environment where awareness of BPD might be more limited.
9 Ways to support employees with BPD
Managing borderline personality disorder in the workplace might seem like a daunting task, but with targeted strategies, you can effectively address the unique needs these employees have. Here are 9 effective, actionable ways to support employees living with BPD.
1. Encourage open communication
It’s crucial to create an environment where employees feel safe enough to discuss their challenges without fear of stigma. When managing an employee with borderline personality disorder, make sure they feel comfortable sharing any concerns they have. Whether they’re struggling with their workload, team dynamics, or another mental health concern, they must know you’re open to being there for them.
“Clear communication is key to creating psychological safety. That means leaving out vague or ambiguous language or things that can be misconstrued easily. And remember, you don’t have to be a clinician to foster a strengths-based environment of respect or encouragement. This builds a safety net of trust and allows everyone to participate in a professional and caring environment.” - Talkspace therapist Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
2. Demonstrate empathy
Always try to approach employees with compassion and understanding. It can help to remember that BPD symptoms impact emotional responses and don’t reflect one’s attitude toward work, coworkers, or professional capabilities. Use active listening and make it a point to validate their feelings—it will go a long way in building a supportive rapport.
3. Set clear boundaries
Setting boundaries is crucial when dealing with any member of your workforce, but it becomes essential when supporting an employee with borderline personality disorder. Thus, you must clearly define professional expectations while carefully maintaining respect.
“Abandonment is the primary fear for someone with borderline personality disorder, so it’s important to instill trust at every turn. To avoid alienation, we need to be clear about boundaries and potential outcomes. For example, “If you scream at me, I will need to leave, pause, or change my environment to protect myself.” This is a clear sign about what will not be tolerated and what the expectation or result could be rather than the “worst” fear of abandonment or departure. We can always be thoughtful in setting limits without being harsh or blaming.” - Talkspace therapist Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
Creating a structured environment is easier when you clearly outline things like:
- Communication protocols
- Work hours
- Conflict resolution practices
- Mental health policies
4. Provide clear and consistent expectations
A lack of clear or consistent expectations can create stress for an employee with BPD. Offering written instructions or providing checklists can help reinforce clarity and consistency. Managers must clearly communicate job responsibilities, project timelines, and performance expectations.
5. Offer flexible work arrangements and accommodations
Having flexibility and autonomy can make a real difference for employees trying to manage mental health challenges, including those with BPD. When possible, try to offer accommodations like:
- Flexible work hours
- Remote work options
- Additional breaks throughout the day
- Hybrid schedules
6. Provide access to mental health resources
Ensure employees have access to workplace mental health resources, like online therapy for employees, when, where, and how they need them. Partnering with platforms like Talkspace allows you to provide employees with access to licensed therapists who are skilled and experienced in managing the challenges of borderline personality disorder and workplace stressors. You can also offer an employee assistance program (EAP) that includes mental health benefits.
7. Implement regular check-ins
Regular check-ins are an opportunity to assess how an employee is handling symptoms of borderline personality disorder in the workplace. During these meetings, you can address challenges, clarify expectations, and reinforce positive behaviors and accomplishments at work.
8. Offer conflict resolution training
Conflict can be challenging for employees with BPD. Training on conflict resolution and how to improve communication skills is empowering and can help people navigate difficult situations at work.
As a bonus, this type of training is most often beneficial for other team members, too—not just those with BPD. You’re essentially promoting a culture of respect, collaboration, and empathy when dealing with mental health.
9. Focus on consistent and positive feedback
Managing an employee with borderline personality disorder means understanding their struggle with self-doubt or fear of criticism. Providing constructive feedback and acknowledging strengths, achievements, and contributions is essential. Using a measured approach will help counteract low self-esteem and boost confidence.
Fostering a supportive workplace for BPD
Building a supportive environment for employees with mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder is well worth the time and effort you put in. In fact, you’ll likely find it enriches your entire organization. You’re promoting inclusiveness, open communication, and supportive workplace relationships, all of which are essential pillars of a healthy workplace. You’re also combating the negative stigma that’s still attached to mental health.
Implementing strategies like the ones discussed here demonstrates your commitment to mental health awareness and equity in your organization. Proactive measures like offering flexible schedules and accommodations and access to mental health resources will contribute to the positive workplace environment you’re trying to establish.
Talkspace is a valuable resource for supporting employees, offering convenient, confidential, and affordable access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists. With Talkspace, you can ensure that employees trying to manage mental health challenges have access to care.
If you’re ready to support mental health in your organization, contact Talkspace for a demo today.
Sources:
- Chapman J, Jamil RT, Fleisher C, et al. Borderline Personality Disorder. [Updated 2024 Apr 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430883/. Accessed Decembar 7, 2024.