Research from Gallup found one in ten employees has been diagnosed with depression. Costs to employers associated with depression – stemming both from absenteeism and poor quality work – total $23 billion a year. The study also demonstrated part-time workers were more likely to be depressed, and people with a history of depression who had part-time jobs were likely to miss more work than their full-time counterparts. This represents a huge loss of productivity in the workplace, as well as a well-being concern for human resources administration professionals to consider.
Whether permanent or temporary workers, those who are engaged in their work may be more likely to feel content overall, according to Gallup. Efforts to increase employee engagement and satisfaction may be the best available remedy to the problems of depression in the workplace. In addressing this issue, talent management professionals may see increased productivity and financial benefits to their companies.
Other possible initiatives to help deal with depression in the workplace include an employee benefits administration policy that covers mental health counseling, as well as training for managers on how to recognize and understand depression. As these efforts are good for both individuals and organizations as a whole, human resources professionals should seriously consider implementing them.
