Our experts at WorkSafe focus on keeping employees safe and healthy while on the job. However, one’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, especially if they suffer from an anxiety disorder. Is anxiety a disability in the workplace?
Millions of anxious Americans may ponder this question. Discover how experts define disabilities and whether your anxiety qualifies as one.
Understanding General Anxiousness vs. Diagnosed Anxiety Disorders
It’s common to feel anxious from time to time, especially at work. You may have a big presentation coming up that you lose sleep over, or you could spend time worrying about your upcoming performance review. However, such nervousness usually subsides once the stressful event passes.
If you’re unable to shake these feelings, you may have an anxiety disorder. Depending on your symptoms, a physician may diagnose you with any of the following:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Social anxiety disorder
You may require medications or therapy to treat these conditions. If severe enough, they could hinder your ability to complete daily tasks, including job duties.
Defining Anxiety as a Disability
Is anxiety a disability in the workplace? It depends. Mental health conditions may be classified as a disability if they meet certain criteria.
For example, the disorder must affect someone long-term. If you experience two weeks of increased anxiety due to a stressful event at work, you can’t claim it as a disability. Those who deal with the condition for more than a year may be considered for legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The severity of your condition also plays a key role in whether you can ask for reasonable adjustments at work. Anxiety must greatly hinder your ability to complete basic activities. Professionals will assess the severity of your disorder to determine whether you qualify for any reasonable accommodations.
When is anxiety a disability in the workplace? Based on the criteria above, someone who has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and struggles to complete everyday tasks because of their anxiety may qualify for disability protections.
What the Law Says About Disabilities in the Workplace
Suppose you have a severe anxiety disorder and want to claim disability status. What types of protections would you have?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, affected individuals are entitled to reasonable workplace accommodations. Perhaps someone has social anxiety disorder and panics in certain social situations, including in the workplace. To help them complete their duties, their employer may allow them to work from home in an attempt to reduce their social anxiety.
The law also protects individuals from disability discrimination. If your mental health condition qualifies as a disability, your employer cannot treat you unfairly because of it. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces labor laws that protect workers, including anti-discrimination laws.
You have the right to file a complaint against your employer if they harass or discriminate against you because of your disability. This includes terminating or demoting you based on your condition, making derogatory comments about you, and refusing to offer reasonable accommodations.
How Businesses Can Support Those With Anxiety Disorders
Not only is anxiety a disability in the workplace in certain scenarios, but it’s also becoming more prevalent in businesses throughout every sector. Employers must abide by labor laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act when they have staff members whose anxiety qualifies as a disability.
There are several ways that businesses may support their employees, such as:
- Collaborating with the affected individual: Understanding a worker’s disability and their needs allows both parties to reach an understanding.
- Offering time off: Granting workers a mental health day can help them keep their anxiety under control by reducing stressful triggers.
- Implementing stress management programs: Employers can teach their staff ways to manage stress at work and in their personal lives for improved mental health.
- Providing mental health resources: Businesses may consider offering counseling services for employees or educating them about local support groups and other helpful resources.
Receive Health and Safety Recommendations From WorkSafe
Not only is anxiety a disability in the workplace, but it can also greatly affect one’s life outside of work. WorkSafe promotes good mental and physical health among workers through catered services. Our experts offer a wide range of health and safety solutions, including ergonomic evaluations, physical therapy, and injury prevention strategies.
See why businesses throughout the greater Wichita area partner with us. To get started, contact us online or give us a call at (316) 262-8800.