Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to an employee who takes long breaks
Read the approach below, or skip ahead and get a plan written for your own situation.
Plan my conversation — free ↓Why the usual approach fails
Managers often start watching the clock or make pointed comments in front of the team. That creates resentment without fixing anything. Name what you've seen, explain the effect on colleagues, and ask what's going on before you assume.
How to open
"I want to raise one thing privately. Over the last couple of weeks, your lunch breaks have often run past an hour, and the team has been covering the phones. I'd like to understand what's happening."
Ask before you tell
- "What's been going on at lunchtime?"
- "Is there something about the schedule that isn't working for you?"
- "What would make it easier to stick to the agreed time?"
What to agree before you leave the room
The break length they'll keep to and what they'll do if they need longer on a given day. Check in again after two weeks.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
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Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com