Mental Health Services Follow

Mental health impacts attendance, work performance, and overall teamwork within the organization. If an employee believes they need assistance with mental health to the point that it is affecting their role, the first step is always to talk have them speak with their medical practitioner.  Speaking with their medical practitioner will get the process rolling of what type mental health assistance would work best for their situation.

As an employer, we can provide additional assistance for full time W2 staff as well as some part time roles.  Westward360 does have a Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can provide mental health services if the employee does not have a medical practitioner.  Please have the employee reach out to HR in order to go over the EAP process with them.

Also as an employer, we want to make sure supervisors know they can make reasonable accommodations for an employee going through a mental health crisis that may include:

1.  Flexible schedule
2.  Provide a rest area/private space
3.  Allow a support animal that does not hinder the work area of other staff (for example if an employee is allergic to dogs, we need to consider physical health of others or wanting to bring a bird to the office, that would not be a reasonable accommodation).
4.  Identify and reduce triggers that may rise mental health conditions, examples may be noise, lighting and stress.

The Department of Labor has accommodation ideas a supervisor can review to see if it helps the employee, the link is found HERE.

The 4 A's of a Mental Health Friendly Workplace (Reference)
Awareness - build awareness and a supportive culture
Accommodations - provide reasonable accommodations to employees
Assistance - offer employee assistance such as using EAP services
Access - ensure access to treatment

Ultimately, if after accommodations have been made and the employee still is in need of additional support, please refer the employee to HR so we can discuss a possible leave of absence or help on how to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional.