Reasonable Accommodation form?

Anonymous

March 7,2024 at 6:37PM UTC

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Reasonable Accommodation form?

I'm a team of one at a small non-profit, and for the last three years, I've been juggling a workload meant for 2-3 people. Recently, I hit a major burnout wall, to the point where I've started crying uncontrollably at work. (I WFH, so technically, my home office) I figured it was time to get some professional help, so I asked my employer if there were any resources or help I could use. I was kind of expecting to hear about online therapy or coaching. But instead, I got handed a Request For Reasonable Accommodation form. Our new HR person—actually the first HR person we've ever had—told me she's done this before to help people out in her past jobs. It was unexpected and even overwhelming to me as I never thought of my burnout as a 'disability.' I'm uncertain whether to proceed with this request. What should I do?

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AnonymousMarch 7,2024 at 7:07PM UTC
Check into it and read the documentation. If you are having issues it is good that you are seeking help and support. Find a good therapist and also check with your benefits provider to see if there is an EAP (employee assistance program) usually there is one embedded especially if the company has outsourced their benefits to a 3rd party. It is usually bundled with your benefits but often not talked about but has therapy sessions for free in it. Good luck and take the time for you away from work to feed your soul, decompress and take care of you.
AnonymousMarch 7,2024 at 7:32PM UTC
Although I doubt "burnout" would qualify for accommodations, there are several mental illnesses that qualify as a disability, and therefore reasonable accommodations are an option. Be aware, however, that requesting the accommodations, because your disability wouldn't be easily discerned, would require that a doctor requests it, and therefore could infer your diagnosis as a mental illness. For things like anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and ADD, certain accommodations such as small group gatherings, seating/desk location preferences, stress levels and work hours can be given. If you are experiencing burnout, it might also be appropriate for your primary care doctor to request you be given an extended vacation. While retaliation for medical or even mental health issues is illegal, companies often find ways to disguise it as "performance issues." Honestly, I think the best option is to either find a therapist or engage your EAP (if your company has one) and go from there.
AnonymousMarch 7,2024 at 8:10PM UTC
Ask your primary care physician to suggest accommodations that might help. Since your employer is small there may not be EAP style support but you can share your doctors recommendations fir accommodations with HR to see if there are adhoc benefits the company has subscribed to that would help meet your needs.
AnonymousMarch 8,2024 at 3:12PM UTC
Take a leave of absence and take care of yourself and your mental health even during that time apply to other jobs. These companies are not worth your health.