About one in four American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. Employers need to be aware of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and comparable state laws regarding their employees’ mental health.
HR can have a pivotal role in dealing with mental health at work by creating a culture where mental health is part of an organization’s overall commitment to wellness—which can in turn have a positive impact on workplace productivity. This slideshow explains the issue of mental illness at work, it’s impact on the workplace, legal obligations for employers, and tips on how to create a mental health friendly workplace.
It’s important to remember than many people who suffer from some type of mental illness are very capable of performing on the job–and performing well. Some of your best performers may, unbeknownst to you, have depression or some other ailment.