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Accommodating Mental Health at Work

Nov 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

Does your office have a mental health policy? It should. More than 43 million Americans (18% of the U.S. population) experience some type of mental illness each year, and this percentage continues to increase. More days have been lost or disrupted by mental illness than by many chronic conditions, including arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Choosing to not accommodate your employees’ mental health at work will hurt your bottom line.

What Mental Illness Looks Like in the Workplace:

Mental health is a spectrum. An employee could experience mental health challenges that don’t impact their job because they learned to manage the challenges. Others could be testing a new medication to suppress their mental illness, that could lead to distracting side effects like falling asleep at your desk. Unfortunately, when we hear the words mental health and workplace together, we conjure up images of the rare cases of someone exacting revenge and other unhealthy disruptive behaviors.

A growing number of employers and HR professionals are recognizing that early detection and treatment of mental illness can prevent a crisis and reduce employers’ health care costs down the road. They are developing programs and plans to provide more support for their employees with psychiatric disorders – similar to the help they provide those with physical injuries or ailments.

Start the Conversation About Mental Health at Work:

Starting a conversation about mental health does not have to be difficult. Most employees with mental illnesses will not disclose this information to their employer. They fear losing their job or being seen as disadvantaged. SHRM has offered tips on how to address mental illness in the workplace and how to break the stigma so everyone in your organization can be productive and feel comfortable:

Finding The Right Words To Say

  • What not to say:
    • “How’s your health?”
    • “You seem depressed.”
    • “Snap out of it.”
    • “Think positive.”
    • “I know exactly what you’re going through.”
  • Say this instead:
    • “How can we help you do your job?”
    • “You’re not your usual self.”
    • “Do you want to talk about it?”
    • “It’s always OK to ask for help.”
    • “It’s hard for me to understand exactly what you’re going through, but I can see it’s distressing for you.”

How to Break the Mental Health Stigma in Your Workplace

To support employees with mental illnesses, the National Mental Health Association and National Council for Behavioral Health recommend the following:

  • Educate employees about the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders.
  • Encourage employees to talk about stress, workload, family commitments and other issues.
  • Communicate mental illnesses are real, common and treatable.
  • Discourage stigmatizing language, including hurtful labels such as “crazy,” “loony” or “nuts.”
  • Invest in mental health benefits.
  • Help employees transition back to work after they take leave.
  • Consult with your employee assistance program.

How to Make Accommodations for Employees with Mental Health Challenges

Unless it creates an undue hardship on a business to do so, the ADA requires most employers to offer accommodations to an employee with a mental illness if the illness substantially limits a major life activity. Accommodations may include reduced work hours as the employee transitions back to work, permission to work from home or changed duties.

Employers may discipline and even terminate an employee with a mental illness without going through the ADA’s interactive accommodation process if that employee engages in misconduct or presents a threat. But a common mistake that HR and managers make is confusing a direct threat with something that is just scary.

All and all, when dealing with an employee with mental illness, treat them with respect. Mental illness, like any other illness, can be treated and managed.

From coffee to soda to energy drinks, caffeine is a part of daily life for many of us. And while it is naturally occurring, overconsumption can cause health problems such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. For this blog, we sat down with Susie Roberts, a Registered Dietitian to discuss all things caffeine—why it’s such a big part of our lives, how much of it is in the food items many people enjoy regularly, and how much is too much. We’ll also talk about current trends and tips on how to boost your energy naturally so you can stop relying on caffeine to keep you energized throughout the day.

Q: Just this morning, I heard someone say “I’m not caffeinated enough for this day!” It really is such a big part of our daily lives. Why do you think that is?
A: It’s not surprising at all to hear that! About 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily. People are looking for ways to boost their energy and increase alertness and caffeine is readily available and socially acceptable.

Q: So, what exactly is caffeine, and how does it work?
A: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. After consumption, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it blocks the effects of adenosine—a chemical that promotes sleep. This interference helps you feel more alert and awake.

Caffeine typically reaches your brain within 15 minutes, peaks in the bloodstream at 30 to 120 minutes, and has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours.

Q: Everyone knows that coffee and many soft drinks contain caffeine. But where else can it be found? If we are consuming these beverages and other items, how can we know the amount of caffeine we are getting?
A: Energy drinks have become very popular—especially among young adults. These contain not only caffeine, but may also have added sugars, so it’s a double whammy. Chocolate and many varieties of tea also contain caffeine. You may also want to check out any nutrition supplements or medications you are taking. And, many people may not realize it, but even decaf coffee contains a certain amount of caffeine.

How Much Caffeine Am I Really Getting

Q: How much is too much when it comes to caffeine?
A: For most healthy adults, the FDA says up to 400 mg per day is safe. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. But you need to remember, that’s based on an 8 oz cup. Many people order an extra-large coffee, so you need to be aware of exactly how much you are taking in. Each individual reacts differently to caffeine based on their genetics, medications, and sleep habits.

How Much Is Too Much? Make Sure You Know Your Limits.

Q: What are the current trends in caffeine consumption?
A: As I mentioned before, energy drinks are increasing in popularity. They haven’t taken over coffee in the top spot, but Americans spent $19.2 billion on them in 2023 and that’s expected to rise to $33 billion by 2030. Coffee remains at the top, accounting for 69% of total caffeine intake, an increase of 15% in the last decade. And while the number of tea drinkers has dropped by 50%, those who drink it are consuming more.

Current Caffeine Consumption Trends.

Q: How can I be more aware about the amount of caffeine I’m getting?
A: Mindful consumption of caffeine is being intentional about what, when, and how much you consume. Track your intake and pay attention to any potential unwanted side effects like jitters or difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Are you sleeping 6-8 hours a night and waking refreshed? If not, consider a “hard stop” 10 hours before your bedtime. Remember, that cup of coffee you had at 8 am can potentially still be in your system at 5 pm, so it’s important to time it right. And finally, if you decide you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, do it slowly to minimize any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Be Mindful of Your Caffeine Consumption.

Q: Sometimes though, you need extra energy when you hit that afternoon slump. Can you suggest any alternative ways to get that boost and avoid turning to caffeine?
A: There are a few simple ways you can get that energy boost. First, make sure you are hydrated. Water supports joint health, oxygen delivery, temperature regulation, skin health, and more. You also want to move—even a short walk or stretch break can help. Make sure your meals are balanced with a protein and complex carbs. And most importantly, rest and recover. Sometimes rest—not more coffee—is what your body needs.

How Can I Boost My Energy Naturally.

Q: So, what are your final thoughts on caffeine?
A:  Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle and may even offer some health benefits—but it’s all about balance and awareness. If you’re reaching for that third cup of coffee at 3 pm, pause and ask: Am I actually tired, hungry, or just in a habit? And then give one of the things we talked about a try, to get that energy boost naturally and see if that caffeine craving goes away.

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