b'MENTAL HEALTH ACCOMMODATIONScan help an employee concentrate.The majority of these, as well Sitting near someone talking onas other strategies, are listed atReferencesthe phone or a person who smellsworkplacestrategiesformental1. Cullin, K.L., Irvin, E., Collie, A., Clay,like perfume can make a differencehealth.com/job-specific-strategies/ F., Gensby, U., Jennings, P.A., Hogg-for people who are alreadyAccommodation-Strategies. AnJohnson, S., Kristman, V., Laberge, M., struggling to concentrate on theiroccupational therapist can provideMcKenzie, D, Newnam, S., Palagyi, work. Natural light is preferableadvice on accommodations in A., Ruseckaite, R., Sheppard, D.M., to fluorescent if possible.specific situations. Shourie, S., Steenstra, I., Van Eerd, D., All accommodations listed in& Amick III, B.C. (2018). Effectiveness Many employees appreciateof workplace interventions in return-using headphones to listen tothis article are meant for discussionto-work for musculoskeletal, pain-calming music if headphonespurposes only and are not arelated, and mental health conditions: are not a safety concern. In somesubstitute for legal advice. YouAn update of the evidence and environments, it is appropriate tomay need to provide additionalmessages for practitioners. Journal of listen with only one headphone. accommodations under Occupational Rehabilitation, 28, 1-15.relevant legislation. 2. Dewa, C.S., Trojanowski, L., Joosen, Hopefully, you can collaborate with 4.M.C.W., & Bonato, S. (2016). Employer Relationship with Jane to plan for accommodations on Co-Workers and Supervisor best practice guidelines for the Weekly, brief (10-minute) meetingsher return to work. Part of the planreturn to work of workers on mental will be to regularly evaluate if thedisorder-related disability leave: A with the supervisor can be used toaccommodations are helpful or if theysystematic review. The Canadian set priorities and address issuesare no longer needed.Journal of Psychiatry, 61(3), 176-185.before they become a big deal. AWorkplace accommodations discussion with the employee of3. McDowell, C. & Fossey, E. (2015). are usually low-cost, beneficial and the best ways to give and receiveWorkplace accommodations for feedback is important in someeffective. It is important that thepeople with mental illness: A scoping situations. Another co-worker canselection and use of accommodationsreview. Journal of Occupational is a collaborative process betweenRehabilitation, 25(1), 197-206.be identified as a mentor who the employee and employer. the person can call withwork-related questions.Linda Harrison, O.T. Reg. (MB) is the owner, When the relationship with theDirector and Occupational Therapist Mental Health First Aid Instructor atsupervisor is identified as aPrairie Crocus Therapy. She can bestressor, it may be helpful to followreached at (204) 808-8604 orthe Resolving Conflict processlinda@prairiecrocustherapy.comfound at workplacestrategiesfor mentalhealth.com/ managing-workplace-issues/ resolving-conflict Mental health training for supervisors and co-workers helps them provide effective responses and create a socially supportive workplace. They also benefit from learning how to handle mental health crises. 5.Changes to TasksPeople with anxiety sometimes have trouble learning in rooms full of other people. They can be given the material to review ahead of time, be given a seat next to the door or attend the session using online technology. When certain tasks are difficult for the employee, they can sometimes exchange tasks with another worker. For example, one employee can do more of the telephone calls and another can do more written work. Education regarding mental health and accommodations is important in this situation.Fall 2019 HRmatters 11'