What HR Doesn't Tell You About Schizophrenia at Work — And Why It Matters
There's a gap between what most HR policies say and what employees with schizophrenia at work actually experience. Policies may promise non-discrimination and equal opportunity, but the daily reality — the awkward silences, the worried glances, the sudden reassignments — tells a different story. Closing this gap requires honest self-examination by HR teams. When an employee discloses a diagnosis of schizophrenia at work, HR's first reaction often determines everything that follows. A response rooted in discomfort, risk aversion, or outdated assumptions can shut down communication permanently. A response rooted in dignity, curiosity, and a genuine desire to support can open the door to a sustainable, productive arrangement. What many HR teams still overlook is that schizophrenia in the workplace can be legally protected in India under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which explicitly recognizes mental illness as a covered category of disability. This means that...