More Workplaces Try to Aid Vets With PTSD

Jennifer Sandberg, a partner in the Atlanta office, was quoted in the article “More Workplaces Try to Aid Vets With PTSD.” The article, featured on the front page of the December 17 Atlanta Journal-Constitution, focused on how employers will deal with returning military personnel who may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Jennifer noted that PTSD can often rise to the level of a disability protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which calls for employers to make reasonable accommodations for employees to do their jobs. An employee is not required to disclose any disability to his or her employer, but some employers become anxious about the possibility of an employee with PTSD. “What is typically a challenge for employers is that they worry this person might be violent when that might not be the case at all. Don’t assume the worst and try to take action when you’ve had no signals that cause concern.”  She added that when there are employees with PTSD, it’s probably not a good idea to tell other employees unless there is a business reason.