Stigma as Diversity Resistance to Employees with Mental Illness

This chapter focuses on the stigmatization of employees with mental illness. The chapter begins by defining mental illness, differentiating it from other disabilities and detailing mental illness stigma. Next, an explanation is provided of how stigma impacts the treatment of individuals with mental illness, operating as diversity resistance. Specifically, resistance towards this group makes it difficult for employees with mental illness to disclose their condition and make accommodation requests. The chapter concludes with a discussion of strategies organizations can use to reduce resistance towards employees with mental illness to create a more supportive and inclusive work environment.