“Mental health issues have become a growing concern in recent years. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have experienced increased stress, anxiety, and depression, which can affect their ability to work. Unfortunately, some employers may not understand the impact of mental health on employees and may resort to firing them. This practice is unfair and can have severe consequences for the employees’ lives. The effect of being fired due to mental health problems can be devastating. Losing a job can lead to financial instability, loss of identity, and social isolation. People with mental health issues may already be struggling with feelings of inadequacy, and losing their job can exacerbate these feelings.
Additionally, being fired for mental health issues can lead to stigma and discrimination, making it harder for people to find new employment. Despite the negative impact of firing people with mental health issues, some companies continue to do so. In 2020, a former employee of the fashion brand, Ted Baker, sued the company for unfair dismissal due to her mental health issues. The employee claimed that she had experienced harassment and discrimination from her manager, which led to her deteriorating mental health. When she asked for support from the company, she was fired.
Another example is the case of a former employee of the British bank Lloyds. In 2017, the employee sued the bank for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal after being fired due to his mental health issues. The employee had taken a few months off due to stress, but when he returned to work, he was told that his role had been made redundant. To tackle this issue, companies need to prioritize the mental health of their employees. This can involve training managers to identify and support employees with mental health issues, creating a supportive work environment, and offering resources such as counseling and flexible work arrangements. Companies must also ensure that their policies and practices do not discriminate against employees with mental health issues. Some companies have taken positive steps toward supporting employees with mental health issues. For example, the global consulting firm, Accenture, provides mental health support for its employees, including counseling, coaching, and resilience training. The company has also launched a mental health ally program, where employees can become advocates for mental health awareness and support.
In conclusion, firing employees due to mental health issues is unfair and can have severe consequences for their lives. Companies need to prioritize the mental health of their employees and create a supportive work environment. By doing so, they can support their employees and improve their overall performance and productivity.
