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- Watch the video on Jalene's story
- Think about this:
Should the employer hire a person with mental illness, like Jalene, for the job?

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- Choose 2 of the focus cards, discuss and come up with at least:

•one reason for, and

•one reason against

hiring people with mental illness.

- Scribe down your discussion points onto this canvas

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It is good to employ people with mental illnesses as it shows that the company encourages caring for each other in the community so that everyone is united.
-Shirin

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[Against] Treating everyone with fairness

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[Against] Treating everyone with fairness

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Against hiring Jalene
On bad days, Jalene may not be able to cope with her workload / other colleagues may have to help pull their weight.
Difficult to justify same pay scale / rank compared to her colleagues in that case.

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- Helping her feel that she is part of the society and she has a secured job.

- As an inclusive nation, we should include everyone.

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For: Hiring Jalene for her strengths and work ethics

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For: Hiring Jalene for her strengths and work ethics

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Every employee will likely have some issues that they face, be it personal, familial or mental. The company should tap on Jalene's strengths rather than weaknesses in hiring her. It may be an uncommon practice, but all social change starts with what appears to be an unusual/small step

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It may disrupt the harmony or dynamics of the workplace due to the perceived threat or "otherness" of the person with mental illness.
-Shirin

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Difficult to answer to other co-workers when he has to keep making adjustments to the work of his employee because of her condition. Her colleagues may need to take on her share of the job .
April

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[For] Being Inclusive, Bringing Positive Change

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[For] Being Inclusive, Bringing Positive Change

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Jalene has all the attributes and knowledge required for the job, we should practise inclusiveness to hire her and make her feel like an effective contributing member of society! If more of us do this, other employers will be motivated to do the same too.

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It is only fair to give everyone (including those with mental illnesses) the same opportunities for employment, based on their qualifications rather than their health (which is a private issue).
-Shirin

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Jalene could also be an advocate for mental wellness in the company to raise awareness about mental health

- Jasin

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As an architectural assistant, there are many unforeseen circumstances happened or emergency hiccups or stressful period to complete assignments. Due to her existing condition, she may not be able to cope with the sudden changes and will suffer from emotional breakdown. Besides, her colleagues' well-being need to be taken care of as they may not be able to deal with her sudden mood swing or emotional breakdown

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Good for Jalene to work and contribute based on her strengths (architecture)

She could contribute to the growth of the company

Jothi

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Others may take advantage of people with mental illnesses (e.g. penalising them unfairly for their "bad days", without giving them a chance to catch up with their work.

May also result in instances of stereotyping, discrimination and work-place bullying.
-Shirin

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For - Jalene is not abnormal. She is capable person and has done very well in her field. Employer should give her a chance.

Against - The clientele of the organisation is affected. The working relationship with other workers may be affected too.

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Jalene has a flair of designing and drawing since young. She wants to prove herself in this area. Hence, she is very motivated to strive and make a positive change. She understands her weaknesses and she is trying hard to overcome it.

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For: In line with living in a diverse society

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For: In line with living in a diverse society

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It is important for the company to show that it is inclusive and accepting of diversity since all of us live in a diverse society. Employer can set a good example for its employees and its competitors.

Besides, it is beneficial for the optics/PR of the company as moving in this direction can help increase its clientele base.

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Colleagues may find it unfair when they have to take on her job during her ‘down days’.

Jothi

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For: Culture of acceptance. Normalise mental illness which will decrease social isolation and make them feel included and negate the feeling of isolation.

Against: may upset the dynamics in a workplace as she may not be able to interact well with colleagues on bad days.

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We should accept everyone with an open heart
April

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Colleagues may face higher workload on days when Jalene take time off. It may cause unhappiness in the workplace as it is unfair.

- Jasin

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Everyone should be given an opportunity. However, there must be a common understanding amongst fellow colleagues, that there will be periods of time, when Jolene may not be in top form. Consideration must also be put in place in fairness of the other colleagues. (Yvonne)