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Reasonable Accommodations for Anxiety

Everything California Employees Need to Know about Reasonable Accommodations for Anxiety

An Overview for California Employees Rights

Women at work suffering from anxiety

If you live and work in California and feel your anxiety is a barrier to work duties, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations for anxiety, as protected by the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). This law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees with disabilities, including mental health conditions such as anxiety. In this article, we will discuss what reasonable accommodations are, how to request them, and provide some examples of accommodations that may be suitable for employees with anxiety in California.

Are you a California Employee Suffering from Anxiety and in Need of Reasonable Accommodations?

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. This includes employees with mental health conditions such as anxiety. If you have anxiety, you may be entitled to certain reasonable accommodations under the FEHA. Additionally, service dogs may be allowed in the workplace under the FEHA.

Anxiety affects millions of people all across the state of California. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides protections and rights to people with anxiety who need workplace accommodations in order to perform their job duties. Knowing what reasonable accommodations are available is essential for employers to provide a safe and supportive environment for their employees.

When an individual feels their anxiety is a barrier to work duties, they can request reasonable accommodations from their employer under the FEHA. An employer must provide accommodations for their employee’s mental health needs if it does not create an undue hardship for the employer. The employee must provide medical evidence of a physical or mental disability, such as anxiety, in order to receive any type of accommodation.

What are Reasonable Accommodations?

Understanding California Employment Laws about Reasonable Accommodations for Anxiety

The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) applies to public and private employers, labor organizations and employment agencies.

Under the FEHA, reasonable accommodations are any modifications or adjustments to the workplace that would allow an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of their job. These accommodations are designed to eliminate any barriers that may prevent an employee from fully participating in their work.

How do I Request Reasonable Accommodations for Anxiety in California?

What to Do if You Need a Reasonable Accommodation

If you have anxiety and need accommodations to be able to perform your job duties, you must inform your employer of your condition and request the accommodations you need.

As an employee, you can ask for reasonable accommodations for your anxiety at any time during your employment. This request can be made orally or in writing, and you do not have to use specific language or cite the FEHA. It may be necessary for you to speak with your supervisor or someone from human resources about your request.

When an employee requests a reasonable accommodation for their anxiety, an employer should take time to discuss what solutions may be provided. Employers should also take time to understand the employee’s needs and how the accommodation may help them.

This is an important step in making sure the accommodation is the best fit for the employee’s anxiety-related needs and that it does not cause an undue hardship for the employer.

After the request for reasonable accommodations for anxiety, your employer is required to engage in an “interactive process” with you to determine an appropriate accommodation.

It is important to request the specific accommodation that you need and explain how it will help you to perform your job. Your employer should work with you to find an accommodation that works for both you and your employer.

My Request for Reasonable Accommodations for Anxiety was Denied

Now What?

Once the employer receives the request, they must engage in an interactive process with the employee to determine the appropriate accommodation. If an agreement cannot be reached, the employer must provide written notice to the employee explaining why the accommodation was denied. 

If your request for reasonable accommodation is denied, you should take the time to talk with an experienced anxiety discrimination attorney. An experienced employment discrimination attorney can help you understand your rights and the legal process and can represent you throughout the complaint process.

Real Examples of Reasonable Accommodations for Anxiety in California covered under FEHA Include:

Under the FEHA, reasonable accommodations may include changes to your workspace, such as a quiet corner or a more secluded area away from distracting noise. It may also include changes to your schedule, such as more flexible hours or more frequent breaks. Your employer must also make reasonable efforts to prevent harassment or any other behavior that may worsen your anxiety.

  • Allowing individuals to work flexible work hours.
  • Providing private areas for breaks.
  • Reassigning tasks or duties if needed.
  • Providing additional training.
  • Offering support from a mental health professional.
  • Providing additional resources such as mental health hotlines or online counseling
    Adjusting the work environment to reduce stress.
  • Allowing teleworking or remote work arrangements on a full or part-time basis.
  • Flexible work schedule: Allowing an employee to work at times that are less stressful for them, such as starting and ending work earlier or later, or taking breaks at specific times.
  • Modifying the duties or responsibilities of an employee’s job to reduce stress or anxiety-provoking tasks.
  • Making changes to the physical layout of the workplace or providing noise-cancelling headphones to reduce distractions.
  • Leave of absence: Allowing an employee to take time off to address their anxiety or seek treatment.
  • Allowing your service dog in the workplace.

Service Dogs in the Workplace

Are Service Dogs Allowed in the Workplace?

Service dogs may also be allowed in the workplace under the FEHA. A service dog is a dog that has been specially trained to provide assistance to people with disabilities, including people with mental health conditions such as anxiety. Employers must allow service dogs in the workplace if the dog is necessary for the employee with a disability to perform his or her job duties. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodations for service dogs, such as providing a designated area for the dog to rest.

Review about Reasonable Accommodations for Anxiety

All You Need to Know

If you have anxiety and need reasonable accommodations to perform your job in California, you have the right to request them under the FEHA. Your employer is required to engage in an interactive process with you to determine an appropriate accommodation. Some examples of reasonable accommodations for anxiety include a flexible work schedule, telecommuting, job restructuring, and changes to the work environment. Remember, it is important to communicate openly with your employer about your needs and any accommodations you may require.

By following the requirements outlined in the FEHA, employers can create a supportive and productive work environment for employees dealing with anxiety. Knowing what reasonable accommodations for anxiety are available and how to provide them can help make the workplace a safer and more inclusive place for everyone.

What Should California Employees Do if They Believe They Have Been Discriminated Against?

If an employee in California believes they have been discriminated against due to their anxiety, requesting reasonable accommodations for anxiety, related medical conditions, or any of the protected classes (Race, color, Ancestry, national origin, Religion, creed, Age – 40 and over, Disability, mental and physical, Sex, gender, Sexual orientation, Gender identity, gender expression, Medical condition, Pregnancy, Genetic information, Marital status, Military or veteran status), they should report it to their employer. If the employer does not take action to address the complaint, the employee can file a complaint with The Civil Rights Department (CRD). The CRD will investigate the complaint and take action if they find that the employer has violated the law.

Also, if an employee believes they have been discriminated against due to their pregnancy, they should seek legal advice from an experienced pregnancy discrimination attorney.

Cielo & Dei Voluntas Law Firm * About Us *

We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to thoroughly review the facts and develop a tailored strategy to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients. We are committed to a high standard of legal excellence and strive to provide the highest level of client service. 

Our lawyers are dedicated to providing personalized and attentive service to help our clients understand their legal rights. We are passionate about advocating for our clients and helping them to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Contact Information

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Tel: (949) 556 – 3677

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