hi, While taking cognizance of personal problems of an employee may be a good HR initiative, it can not be taken too far. Showing indulgence in 'retrieving' him is thus a double edged sword. the use of which may imply compromise on work ethics. Bearing this in mind this problem should be tackled. Thumb rule should be: discuss this problem with the guy not in the workplace but at private rendeavouz and convey him the reason for talking at such place;make him register and admit the decline in his performance and give him time to regroup and start focusing on work;drop adequate hints of the consequences if he does not improve;after the lapse of the given period review at the workplace and give official warning if he is still 'in zone'. krishna m k sinha