Disclosing Problems
Many people with existing mental health problems are reluctant to disclose this information during the hiring process. They fear, often justifiably, that this will reduce their chances of employment.
Employers may be less than willing to hire applicants with disclosed problems, because they fear that the employee will be unreliable, or less competent than other applicants.
However:
“Those Companies that do hire and retain employees with serious mental disorders often find a payoff: Many workers with such illnesses have shown the strength to overcome great barriers and have acquired impressive credentials in the process." [1]
One employer comments:
“I’m tempted to say steer clear from people with mental illness but the fact of the matter is that that would be ridiculous, Every so often mental illness will impinge on what they’re doing, that’s inevitable. Every other employee every so often has something which is going to impinge on what they’re doing, so it’s just part of regular life really. In many respects those with mental illness, have strategies, they have plans, they have medication, they’re experienced, they know what they’re doing, and as far as I’m concerned, they can manage it their own way, so I would say to any potential employer, don’t worry about it, you’re not going to get any more grief from them than you are from any other random employee." [2]
Research indicates that employees with mental health problems are usually willing, conscientious and determined to contribute to their workplace.
One employee comments:
“I try to give back to my employer by working extra hours on the weekend for no expected return ... so try to work as conscientiously as I can to assist with boosting and maximising the company results, so I guess that's all about working for a company as if it's your own and, it does often feel like that." [3]
If employees feel safe in disclosing during the hiring process, future problems can be avoided, or managed in a rational and considered fashion.
