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 Statistics show that one in five individuals will experience depression during their adult lifetime. Its effects, whilst personal, also influence the workplace in a profound way. Employees, who are otherwise skilful and highly productive, may start to take more time off 'unwell' and become less productive. Absenteeism and presenteeism can both have harsh consequences - financially and through a reduction in human resource - on any business or organisation and in order for this to be avoided, it is important that employees living with depression are supported.
Due to the stigmatisation of depression, many individuals living with the illness do so in denial - either unwilling or afraid to speak about their experience or through lacking motivation to seek help. Further, many individuals are concerned that the identification of depression will result in discrimination or jeopardise their role within an organisation.
Sometimes, there is an inability or unwillingness to view depression as an illness by employers and managers, resulting in overt and covert discrimination. Employees who have informed their organisation of their depressive illness, have often found that they have been undermined by their employers or fellow employees or, in some cases, excluded from promotional prospect. Some employers have a common belief that there are no effective treatments, which may have resulted in a failure to address depression in the workplace.
On the other hand, many employers and managers are now beginning to realise the enormous impact of depression on the workplace and are willing to address it with their employees - in some cases, through the offer of assistance to better manage and treat it. Employees who used to be proud of their role in the workplace may feel as though nothing they currently do matters, with their depression sending them into a downward spiral along with a decrease in productivity.
However, a positive and accepting workplace culture will allow employees to come forward, without fear of discrimination or losing their job, in broaching their depression. Workplaces are more frequently making available the resources of a trained mental health professional – such as a counsellor or psychologist – in order to ensure that their employees are well-supported.
Further, sound workplace culture may see changes within the environment to assist employees complete their set tasks effectively and as comfortably as possible. The offer of a ‘mini-break’ – a day or two off of work - or temporarily reduced hours can also assist employees struggling with the black cloud of depression.
As well as boosting morale, a strong workplace culture that accepts and supports employees is the key to a mentally healthy workplace.
Article: If I Put On Free Beer, They Might Come: Organisation Cultures and Challenges to Education About Depression in the Workplace.
An increasing level of concern about the impact of depression on our workforce has emerged in Australia. Hickie (2001) stated that depression is affecting over 800,000 Australians every year and that over six million working days are lost due to people suffering from it. Given this assertion, that depression can have a considerably negative influence on our ability to function both at home and in the workplace, both the social and the economic implications are significant.
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