Research reveals workplace depression
17 April, 2008
Research shows that bosses underestimate how much their colleagues and employees are suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. It also reveals that almost three in every ten employees will have a mental health problem in any one year.
Mental health problems in the workplace can be very disruptive - both for individuals and businesses.
As well as affecting people's personal lives, wellbeing and morale, it also impacts their performance at work and is a costly burden for businesses.
Average of 30 days off
A recent study found that people suffering from depression took an average of 30 days off for each sickness absence spell.
If you are a manager overseeing a team, or a colleague concerned for your co-workers, how can you approach the difficult issue of mental health?
Acas, the employment relations service, outlines their advice for businesses in the East Midlands on how to spot and deal with mental health problems at work.
Noel Lambert, Area Director, Acas East Midlands says: "Spotting and doing something about troubled employees is an important business skill.
”Look for early indicators”
“As well as being good managers in the traditional sense, we urge bosses to look out for early indicators before they develop into something more serious, like stress or depression. Healthy and content workers translate directly into productive employees."
The advice coincides with the release of Acas' new free guide on health, work and wellbeing. Available at http://www.acas.org.uk, it helps businesses promote and manage a healthy workplace. Employers and employees can find further guidance and advice via the Acas website or the helpline: 08457 47 47 47.
