In today’s world, we are becoming more aware of the impact mental health has on our lives, both personally and professionally. It’s common knowledge that our emotional and psychological states can influence our job performance and productivity. But what happens when we’re struggling with a mental health issue, and how does it affect our work relationship?
When it comes to mental health issues, the question arises: can your employer fire you? The answer is not straightforward and depends on a variety of factors.
Disability Discrimination
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in employment and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to those who need them. The act defines disability as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities."
If your mental health issue qualifies as a disability under the ADA, your employer cannot discriminate against you. Additionally, your employer must provide reasonable accommodations to help you perform your job duties. For example, if you need time off for therapy sessions, your employer should provide you with a flexible work schedule or the ability to work from home.
Performance Standards
While mental health issues are considered disabilities, the ADA only protects employees who are able to do their jobs with reasonable accommodations. If your mental health issue prevents you from performing essential job duties even with accommodations, your employer can fire you under performance standards.
It’s essential to communicate with your employer if you’re struggling with a mental health issue. They might not be aware of the situation, and communication can help you set realistic goals that you can achieve with reasonable accommodations.
Correlation of Mental Health Issues and Job Performance
It’s not uncommon for mental health issues to cause a decrease in job performance. While your employer may not be able to fire you for a mental health issue, they can evaluate your work performance and discipline you based on that evaluation. If your mental health issue is impacting your ability to perform your job, your employer may be able to provide performance-related counseling or, in extreme cases, fire you after a series of warnings.
How to Protect Yourself
If you’re experiencing a mental health issue that may impact your work performance, it’s essential to protect yourself. Here are a few ways to do that:
Know Your Rights
Knowing your rights under the ADA can provide you with the best chance of success. Familiarize yourself with the law and understand how it applies to your situation.
Document Everything
If you’re experiencing mental health issues that are impacting your job performance, document your experiences. This can include emails, notes, and any other communication with your employer. Use these documents to support your claim if your employer fires you or takes other disciplinary action.
Talk to Someone
It’s essential to talk to a mental health professional if you’re experiencing mental health issues. They can help you manage your condition and provide you with a plan for managing your work performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mental health issues can affect your job performance and relationship with your employer. However, if you have a mental health condition that qualifies as a disability under the ADA, your employer cannot discriminate against you. It’s important to communicate with your employer, know your rights, and document your experiences if you’re experiencing a mental illness that’s impacting your work performance. Seeking mental health help can also help you manage your condition and improve your job performance.
