When an Employee Struggles With Mental Health, Employers Have Responsibilities, Rights

Co-chair of Pullman & Comley’s Labor and Employment practice, Joshua A. Hawks-Ladds, authored the Providence Business News (PBN) article "When an Employee Struggles With Mental Health, Employers Have Responsibilities, Rights." He highlights the growing legal complexity around mental health in the workplace, noting that “legal matters involving employees with mental health conditions are on the rise” often the result remote work isolation. At the same time, increased awareness means that there is less of a stigma around mental health issues.

Josh explains that employers must follow federal and state laws like the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act, which require an “interactive process” to assess whether an employee is qualified for their role and if reasonable accommodations can be made without undue hardship.

Josh emphasizes that each case is unique and must be evaluated individually, and that confidentiality is critical when handling medical information. His advice to employers: "[T]reat each situation carefully with a thorough fact-find, interactive discussions with the employee and seeking help from a legal professional before risky decisions are made.”

To read the full article, please visit the PBN website.