What you should know about employee depression

Employers need to be aware about the prevalence of depression. If any of your employees are suffering from depression, it can not only affect their productivity, but also the productivity of those employees that work with them. It can have a demoralizing effect on your enter workforce, which can contribute to a feel of overall frustration that work is not being done correctly or on time. In addition, if you have employees that suffer from depression they are more likely to take time off, and use up sick days, which can be a serious cost to any business. Because of the serious ramifications that employee depression can have, employers need to know everything they can about it.

Employers are often at a loss as to how to determine if an employee is truly depressed. Most often employers begin to see a problem with their employees because they begin moving slower and are often missing deadlines. They call in sick, arrive late to work, or a previously industrious employee may now seem like the laziest employee on staff. While this can often be signs of employee burnout, it is important for employers to understand that this can also mean that your employee could be struggling with depression. Here is what you should know about employee depression-
- Do keep them working-Many time's employers in hopes of relieving the burden of the employee, or out of frustration, reduce the workload, of the employee. This can be a serious mistake, if the employee is suffering from depression. You want to help them become productive and need to motivate them to do such. You don't want to make them feel like they are replaceable and that you don't need them. Disconnecting an employee that has depression, from their job, will most often make it worse. You want make them needed, welcome and accepted. Keeping them work, also gives them a chance to interact with others, which can be very healing to someone who is dealing with depression.
- Don't overreact-Employers need to take the time to learn about mental illness and depression. Savvy employers understand that their workforce is their most valuable asset. If a long term previously productive employee, is now dealing with depression, the employer should take steps to show them that there is help that is available. Employers should not overreact to poor performance, but instead take the time to determine what is at the bottom of it. Many employers who now understand the seriousness of depression are now offering counseling and other mental health services, through their Employee Assistance programs.
- Do listen to what your employees are saying-Many times people with depression will try to give subtle signs that they need help. While they may have difficulty reaching out in an overt way, they often leave subtle clues about how they are suffering. If you are have an open line of communication with your employees, you will be in a much better position to determine if someone on your staff, is dealing with depression. If you are willing to listen to your employees, you may be the outlet they need, to find the help that will bring them back to full health. Depression is a very real illness and employers who listen to their employees, and find someone who has depression can literally save their life. However, it is important that any employee who is struggling with depression, be referred for professional help.Employers should not feel that they must be the professional help that is often needed to treat depression, they can act as a screen for potential problems, a guide for solutions and a friend for support.