As featured in #WorkforceWednesday:  This week, we take a look at the federal government’s recently announced focus on mental health.

Renewed Federal Focus on Mental Health in the Workplace

To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the U.S. Department of Labor issued new Family and Medical Leave Act guidance, which explains when eligible employees can take leave to address mental health conditions. Attorney Shira Blank explains how employers can navigate mental health-related requests for leave and accommodations. Read more.

FTC Signals New Action on Noncompetes

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently considering new regulations to prohibit the use of noncompetes and to target their use in individual cases through enforcement actions. Whether the FTC should be regulating noncompetes on a federal level is still up for debate. Read more.

Gig Work Comes with More Risks for Health Care

The gig model that relies on independent contractors is more complicated in the highly regulated health care industry than for rideshare and food delivery. The trend could leave facilities and the companies serving them vulnerable to misclassification accusations, joint-employer disputes, and complicated wage and hour laws. Attorney Adam Abrahms speaks with Bloomberg Daily Labor Report about the risks for health care providers. Read more.