What legal protections are available for people with mental illness in the workplace?

In California, there are multiple legal protections for people suffering from mental illness in the workplace. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act ensures that employers cannot discriminate against someone on the basis of mental disability. This means that an employer cannot refuse to hire or make job decisions based on an employee’s mental health status. California is also a state with a medical leave law which grants qualified employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for an employee or family member with a serious health condition, including a mental health disorder. This leave can include treatment and recovery from mental illness. In addition, California employers must provide reasonable accommodations to workers with disabilities, including mental illness, if needed. This means that the employer must adjust the job to make it easier for the employee to do their job successfully, such as flexible hours, additional breaks, or job reassignment. Lastly, if an employee is the victim of workplace harassment due to their mental illness, they are protected under California law. The employee should report the situation to the appropriate supervisor and file a complaint to the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. By being aware of these legal protections, employees suffering from mental illness in California can have the job security and peace of mind they deserve.

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