Being crazy in the workplace
My hometown rag ran an article yesterday about local mental health organizations who hire people with mental illnesses as employees. The Mental Health Association of Southeastern PA’s director, Joseph Rogers, was asked how his organization functions given that 80 percent of his workforce is mentally ill. The Inquirer’s Stacy Burling, who’s an excellent reporter on mental health issues, writes:
But Rogers, who has a bipolar disorder, says all it takes to manage and work alongside people with mental illnesses is flexibility, individualization and compassion. It is an approach he thinks could make other workplaces saner. “A lot of times,” he said, “it just means creating a work environment that’s healthy for everybody.”
That’s been my experience working at Philadelphia Weekly. My bosses continue to be miraculously flexible with me regarding medication fluctuations and periodic episodes—especially vis-a-vis sleeping too late, which now happens almost every day. They know I’ll do the work, and they create an environment that allows me to do so in a way that’s best for everyone.
•Mental illness is a plus [Philadelphia Inquirer]
•Americans With Disabilities Act brochure on employment rights [U.S. Department of Labor]
liz | 6:01 PM | Uncategorized
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