When notifying my employer that my doctor is recommending that I go out on short-term disability, do I have to disclose my diagnosis?

When notifying my employer that my doctor is recommending that I go out on short-term disability, do I have to disclose my diagnosis?

I am concerned about disclosing that my reason for short-term disability is clinical depression. I am a controller for a small organization with only about 20 full-time employees. I handle HR and I’m not sure whom I would notify and if it could done by e-mail? I’m not comfortable telling my supervisor that just started at the end of December or the President who has only been with us for a short time. I am worried about the stigma associated with depression affecting my career at this organization and my future employability.

Asked on February 26, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, New York

Answers:

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