Employers are recently becoming more aware of mental health conditions. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is shining a light on how mental health issues are impacting people in general and also within the workplace.
Employers understand that they may want to address mental health issues regardless of whether an employee’s mental health issues are related to their work or issues happening outside of work. In the midst of the pandemic, many people are suffering from mental health challenges such as depression that are a result of being separated from family or being able to meet the needs of children and elderly family members. Employees may have concerns regarding whether they are feeling protected from COVID-19 in the workplace, which may also contribute to mental health problems.
Employees have the right to feel safe at their job. Those with concerns are encouraged to contact a seasoned Workers’ Compensation lawyer for assistance.
Impacting Others in the Workplace
Whether the employee’s occupation is at the root cause of a mental health issue, the employer should offer mental health assistance because this will boost employee productivity and morale in the workplace. If one employee has a constantly flat, depressive, or angry demeanor, this could impact the behavior of coworkers as well. This is especially important in a workplace where employees interact on a regular basis with other employees. One employee’s mood can greatly impact others.
Some mental health issues may not have been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic; they may have always been present, but they are now exacerbated by the pandemic. For example, if an employee already previously suffered from adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, or anxiety and coworkers were not previously impacted, the pandemic may increase the employee’s symptoms, which can impact their productivity and that of others on the worksite. Workers may end up struggling with social interactions at work, even if they did not previously have that problem.
The Impact of Employees Sharing Mental Health Concerns
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has found that only about half of employees who suffer from these disorders actually discuss it with their employer, since they are concerned about being taken seriously or they are worried that their boss may interpret sharing their struggles with an unwillingness to do the work.
Employers can offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where employees can access mental health treatment confidentially and without cost. This may also reduce the perceived burden of employees to address their concerns directly with their boss. Research has shown that when an employer offers an EAP to employees, that it can improve the mental outlook of employees and it can also reduce workplace accidents.
Downingtown Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC Can Assist Workers with Mental Health Disorders Impacting Their Job
COVID-19 has highlighted the impact of mental health concerns on society and also on the workplace. Increasingly employers are expected to address an employee’s mental health concerns if they bring it to the employer’s attention or it becomes obvious. If you suffer from mental illness as a result of conditions in the workplace, you could be eligible to collect Workers’ Compensation benefits. The Downingtown Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Wusinich, Sweeney & Ryan, LLC can evaluate your case under the current law. The law in this area is rapidly changing, and it is always important to obtain the perspective of a Workers’ Compensation lawyer. Contact us online or call us at 610-594-1600 for a free consultation today. We are located in Exton, Pennsylvania, we serve residents of Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Coatesville, Phoenixville, Malvern, Lyndell, Wagontown, Uwchlan Township, Parkesburg, Chester Springs, Lancaster County, Reading, and Morgantown.