Are you mentally prepared? Mental Health in the Workplace across APAC: the law and practical implications for employers

HR and legal professionals are now expected to grapple with complicated and sensitive issues that relate to mental health conditions, whether it be dealing with sick leave, related performance issues, health and safety concerns, disability discrimination claims, or helping to create wellbeing strategies and an open and trusting environment in which mental health can be discussed and those suffering supported.Lewis Silkin launched a campaign this year called #ThisPlaceMinds, which focuses on assisting clients with mental wellbeing matters in the workplace. As part of this campaign, we wish to invite you to our half day seminar with two panel discussions covering the legal aspects of mental health and also what employers can do practically to improve mental wellbeing in their organisation.

For the first panel, we will be joined by Ius Laboris employment lawyers from Australia, China, Korea, and Thailand as well as Hong Kong, who will share their views on a mental health case study and the legal position in their jurisdiction. For the second panel, we will hear from those in business on what they are doing about mental health in their workplaces.

9 - 10.30am: Mental health and the law: who is protected and what are your obligations?

In this legally-focused session, we will consider how different jurisdictions protect mental health conditions and address key issues including:

• Can a mental health condition become a disability under discrimination law and, if so, when?
• Does an employer have an obligation to make reasonable adjustments (or equivalent) and, if so, what does that require?
• Is there a difference in an employer’s obligations if the mental health condition is related to work?
• How much information can an employer require an employee to share with them about their health, prognosis and underlying causes?

10.45 - 12pm: A positive state of mind: global strategies for mental wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is rising to the top of corporate agendas. International organisations are increasingly aware that a failure to address employee “wellness”, and particularly issues around mental health, can be costly.

Our panel will look at:

• What a ‘best in class’ international wellbeing strategy looks like
• Approaches to opening up discussions about mental wellbeing; and
• How you can measure success.

Click here to register.