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WORKSHOP AGENDA

REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE: 8:30AM 
COURSE DURATION: 9:00AM-4:30PM, INCLUDING NETWORKING BREAKS

INTRODUCTION TO THE MODERN DAY WORKPLACE

  • Analysis of how typical workplaces deal with mental health issues and evaluation of their effectiveness

  • Assess recent issues that have created increased challenges in dealing with mental health

  • Understand where HR and their processes should focus on to be more effective

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

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  • The link between psychosocial hazards and actual harm 

  • The impact of the Right to Disconnect and what it means for your workplace 

  • Introduction to SAD (Stress/ Burnout, Anxiety, Depression)

  • The biological, chemical and physical response to mental health

SPECIFIC LEGAL OBLIGATIONS THAT ARISE WHEN DEALING WITH EMPLOYEES WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

  • Identify the main psychosocial risks in the workplace

  • Sources of legal obligations

  • Duties of organisations and individuals

  • Likely regulatory impact of recent changes to the law

CREATING PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE WORKPLACES

  • Understanding core elements of a psychologically safe workplace

  • Understanding the individual impact (positive / negative) that individual managers can have on psychological safety

TOOLS TO ACHIEVE PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE WORKPLACES

  • In depth look at practical tools that can be introduced to achieve psychologically safe workplaces

CASE STUDY (HYPOTHETICAL)  - PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES DURING PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

  • Introduction to the workplace regarding an identification of performance management issue with an employee who has or is about to identify they have a mental health condition

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   KEY PROCESSES

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  • Triage to: characterize issues, determine facts as to likely causes of the poor performance and consider methods of resolution;

  • Identify the difference between inherent requirements of a position and other job requirements;

  • Manage attendance and absenteeism;

  • Balance provision of support (Care) and maintaining standards (Competence)

  • Understand the limits of seeking medical advice including requesting and analysing medical certificates;

  • Assess return to work plans

  • Implement the right response action for better outcomes with reference to applicable workplace policies and procedures including determining the extent of incapacity;

CASE STUDY (HYPOTHETICAL)  - PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES DURING A WORKPLACE INVESTIGATION

  • Introduction to the workplace regarding an identification of a workplace investigation with an employee who has or is about to identify they have a mental health condition

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   KEY PROCESSES

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  • Understand the types of investigations and determine whether an investigation is necessary or not;

  • Identify an investigator within the organisation or external;

  • Frame allegations and provide meaningful particulars taking into account mental health issues;

  • Communicate with relevant parties balancing provision of support (Care) and maintaining standards (Competence);

  • Understand the practical application of legal terms such as standard of proof and natural justice/procedural fairness;

  • Protect confidentiality and privacy;

  • Troubleshoot common investigation issues and legal risks;

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FINALISING THE INVESTIGATION AND NEXT STEPS

  • Review evidence including resolving issues such as ‘credit worthiness’ and drawing adverse inferences;

  • Make well-reasoned findings of fact;

  • Compile a report

Throughout the workshop, participants will apply the case study to develop their own set of tailored example documents to take back to their workplace and apply, if necessary, at a later stage – as well as the presenter’s own best practice examples.  These documents will be supplemented by current case law and actual examples from the presenter’s experience as a lawyer and HR Manager.  In addition, each participant will also get a workbook, presentation slides and notes to supplement their worked examples. 

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