Pub. 2 2020 Issue 1

M ental health problems affect many employees in the workplace, and can result in many missed or unproductive work days. Employees tend to hide these disorders at work. As a result, mental health disorders often go unrecognized and untreated — not only damaging an individual's health and career, but also reducing productivity at work and damaging reputations. This continuing education session will provide an overview of the laws surrounding disability in the workplace, and will also provide guid- ance on how managers and supervisors might help co-workers addressing these issues. Topics will also include how best to create a culture that protects the rights of employees and promotes, supports, and improves the mental health of employ- ees and at the same time meets the company’s overall organization financial and management goals. • Understanding key mental health issues — (e.g., depression, anxiety, obsessive-compul- sive disorder, bipolar disorder, and addictions) and how an individual can still be a valued and productive employee. • How to assess the situation, find information, and get help or support for employees with mental health issues. • How to support employees, management and co-workers. • What should and should not be said/done. • Identify and understand reasonable accommo- dations required by law; this generally means the Family and Medical Leave Act and your ADA Leave obligations. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the session runs from 8:30 to 11 a.m. MEET THE PRESENTERS: Peter Evers, LICSW, President and CEO, Riverbend Community Mental Health Peter joined Riverbend Community Mental Health as President and CEO on Oct. 14, 2013. He also serves as vice president for Behavioral Health at Concord Hospital. He brings 25 years of experience in the mental health and human services fields, including leadership positions in emergency, residential and outpatient services, to his new roles. Peter served as vice president for Program Operations at The Home for Little Wanderers in Boston before joining Riverbend. Prior to that he was the Southeastern Area Director at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. Peter was educated in England and graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a B.A. in economics and business stud- ies. He obtained his Masters in Social Work from the University of Kent, and he is a licensed clinical social worker both here and in Great Britain. Margaret (“Peg”) A. O’Brien Peg is chair of Devine, Millimet & Branch’s Labor & Employment practice group. She represents employ- ers in all aspects of employment work, with her daily practice primarily focused on providing clients with risk management advice during all phases of the employment relationship and aiding clients with a defense in the event of an employment claim or government audit. Peg’s experience includes drafting employment contracts and employment-re- lated agreements, including handbooks and noncompete agreements. Peg also conducts internal workplace investi- gations and regularly presents seminars on employment law topics. She earned her B.A. in Computer Science from Colgate University, and her J.D. from George Washington University. She is past chair of the New Hampshire Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Section. UnderstandingMental Health in theWorkplace NEW HAMPSHIRE AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION FEBRUARY 12, 2020 JEAN CONLON EVENTS COORDINATOR D R I V E 12