Since the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are faced with an increased number of employees requesting leave and other workplace accommodations based on mental health issues, including stress, depression and anxiety. Workers across manufacturing, education, health care and white collar jobs, among others, are seeking accommodations such as reduced duties, remote work, or intermittent or extended leaves of absence. When those requests are denied, they are filing disability discrimination claims.

It is critical for employers not only to be legally compliant when responding to these accommodation requests but also to remain effective and functional, whether that's in the classroom, warehouse or office.