For Employers
What To Do When an Employee is Depressed: A
Supervisor's Guide
As a supervisor, you may notice that some employees seem less productive and reliable
than usual-- they may often call in sick or arrive late to work, have more accidents, or
just seem less interested in work. These individuals may be suffering from a very common
illness called clinical depression. While it is not your job to diagnose
depression, your understanding may help an employee get needed treatment.
- Each year, depression affects more than 19 million American adults often during their
most productive years--between the ages of 25 and 44.
- Untreated clinical depression may become a chronic condition that disrupts work, family,
and personal life.
- Depression results in more days in bed than many other ailments (such as ulcers,
diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis) according to a recent large-scale study
published by the Rand Corporation.
In addition to personal suffering, depression takes its toll at the workplace:
- At any one time, 1 employee in 20 is experiencing depression.
- Estimates of the cost of depression to the nation in 1990 range from $30-$44 billion. Of
the $44 billion, depression accounts for close to $12 billion in lost work days and on
estimated $11 billion in other costs associated with decreased productivity.
| "Major depression and bipolar disorder accounted for 11%
of all days lost from work in 1987, " reported the medical director of a public
utility company. |
|
There is, however good news. More than 80% of depressed people can be treated quickly
and effectively. The key is to recognize the symptoms of depression early and to receive
appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, nearly two out of three people with depression do
not receive the treatment they need. |
Many companies are helping employees with depression by providing training on
depressive illnesses for supervisors, employee assistance, and occupational health
personnel. Employers are also making appropriate treatment available through employee
assistance programs and through company-sponsored health benefits. Such efforts are
contributing to significant reductions in lost time and job-related accidents as well as
marked increases in productivity.
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