I dont believe he is bi-polar..What are some sure signs to will let me know that he really is?
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Answers:
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, your co-worker is entitled to 'reasonable accommodations'. He is entitled to leave work to go to therapy/doctors appointments, for this is a reasonable accommodation. He is entitled to leave work early if he feels that he is about to become manic, which is a smart move for everyone involved. However, if he can't fulfill the essential duties of the job (which does includes being on time, not leaving work early), and accommodating him would be an "undue hardship", he should be fired.
If this man's behavior is negatively impacting your job performance, I'd *strongly* advise that you keep a diary. Write down each time he is late to work, takes off early, etc, and what you had to do because of what he did (such as redistribute the workload, work overtime because he dropped the ball, etc.) If there are co-workers complaining about this employee and who are being asked to cover for him (and having to work longer hours because of it), ask them to also keep a workplace diary. This is the first step to show that his behavior is creating an 'undue hardship'. If you have problems with your performance review because you are not getting your work done because you are covering for this man, it will give you a leg to stand on when you question the review. Make sure that you keep a copy of your workplace diary at your house.
Most managers are scared of getting rid of people covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act. Understand that most managers are *not* lawyers, and don't realize that it is not that easy for a disabled employee to sue under the ADA. To get rid of this employee, your manager will have to do a good bit of documentation (not only show that his job performance is unacceptable, but also show that accommodating him is an 'undue hardship'). She may be feeling overwhelmed and would rather sweep matters under the rug. If you (and your fellow co-workers) have workplace diaries that document the problem over a few months or longer, you're giving your manager the some of the ammo she needs to legally get rid of the problem employee
I don't know what your relationship with your manager is. You could try to organize a group of employees to go talk to her about the problem once it is thoroughly documented. Give her a copy of the EEOC Enforcement Guidelines, appropriately highlighted and a copy of everyone workplace diaries. Don't do this alone, but do this as an organized group. There is safety in numbers. (If you do this alone, you could be accused of being a troublemaker.)
No matter what, if this man is affecting your job performance and making the place a miserable place to work at, it's time to leave. Crank out your resume/CV. You'll feel better when you get job interviews, believe me.
If you do take another job, you might want to request an exit interview with your boss and someone from personnel. Then, you can *respectfully* and *tactfully* discuss with them the problem coworker, give them a copy of your workplace diary and give them a copy of the EEOC ADA Enforcement Guidelines, with the parts you think are appropriate highlighted. Perhaps your now former employer will hire an employment law lawyer and begin the process of getting rid of that man. You're doing your boss and the company you're leaving a favor.
Other Answers:
A lot of people work the system like that. It makes me mad also. A good way to tell if he's telling the truth is look at his wife or girlfriend. Is she wearing a "I'm with Bipolar" t-shirt?
Someone who is bipolar has an imbalance of chemicals. It can be treated with medication, but treatment must be monitored carefully because the amounts and kinds of medication may need to be adjusted frequently. Most bipolar people cycle between depession and mania. People suffering from depression often feel sick or unable to work, it isn't just crying all the time. In a manic phase, a person will talk alot, be impulsive, especially with spending, and even engage in risk-taking behaivior. From what you have mentioned, it is possible that this person really is bipolar, but it seems like the treatment they are recieving isn't vey effective.
You have to trust him. It's none of your business unless you are a good friend, family member or significant other. quit being a busy body and do your job. in the end, you will be rewarded. every one deserves a chance to work. people with mental illness do have problems, and i commend employers who are willing to help them. he may actually have bi polarism. some signs are extreme highs, and lows. there are no sure signs to look for unless you are a mental health professional. to be diagnosed, he will have had to meet at least 3-5 of the symptoms and have had them at least 2 weeks. it's not your job to micromanage your coworkers. your boss seems to think he deserves a chance. maybe the two of them have talked in private about his issues and if they have, then they reached an agreement. either way, it's still none of your business. if you want to know, then ask. if you are truly unhappy, then find another job.
I can't tell if he is Bipolar based on your observations alone. It sounds like something psychological is going on, but I don't know if it is or isn't Bipolar. He could be misdiagnosed with Bipolar, but may have something that is debilitating. Major Depression alone is debilitating. Add mania to that and its worse.
However, keep in mind that the prevalence of Bipolar Disorder is only 1-2%.
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